A NATIONAL TRUST petition calling for climate action to be a ‘national mission’ following this summer’s wildfires has been backed by a Worcestershire MP after a blaze in his own constituency
Chris Bloor, MP for Redditch and the Villages, has supported the campaign following a fire in Harvington, near Evesham which saw homes evacuated and fields burned.
The petition calls on the Government to treat climate change as a national mission and invest in nature as essential infrastructure.
The flames from the Harvington fire could be seen for miles (Image: Ashley Stokes)
Mr Bloore said: “The devastating fires we have seen this summer, including the major incident at Harvington, demonstrate that the effects of a changing climate are not a distant threat.
“They are already being felt by our communities, our emergency services and the natural environment we all have a responsibility to protect.
“We must take these events seriously and not delay in recognising the real threat to people and the environment.”
Harvington’s wildfire was fought for several hours by crews across Worcestershire, and has halted just meters from the homes of evacuated residents.
Chris Bloore MP (Image: Chris Bloore)
The National Trust’s call to action follows a wildfire that ripped through 104 hectares of land at Dunwich Heath, Suffolk.
READ MORE: Police officer banned for sharing victims’ confidential details as gossip on WhatsApp
The charity says Ministers must take immediate action to better protect wildlife, landscapes and communities in the face of more frequent heatwaves, drought and record-breaking temperatures.
It is urging ministers to view natural habitats such as peatlands, wetlands, rivers, woodlands, and heathlands as vital infrastructure and to invest in them accordingly.
READ MORE: Who can claim free rail travel for Remembrance events this November?
Hilary McGrady, director-general of the National Trust, said: “I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported on the frontline, behind the scenes or donated to our appeal.
“People are doing their bit across the country. We need Government to do the same.”
