Campaign groups build their political agency

By Emma Temple (Leeds Craftivists) and Simon Dixon (Climate Action Leeds)

Leeds campaign groups joined forces on Saturday 15th March to strengthen their network, build political agency, and keep climate and nature on the political agenda by building relationships with their members of Parliament. 

Held at Leeds City Museum, the event was the first of its kind and organised by a coalition of Leeds environmental justice groups who are keen to work strategically with local MPs. 

All 10 Leeds MPs were invited, although some who expressed interest were out of the country at the time of the event. One MP attended the event - Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds Central and Headingley. Alex Sobel gave a speech near the start of the event on the Government’s political priorities around the climate and nature emergencies. He then joined discussions in small groups to help local campaigners understand how to better engage MPs on green issues.

The coalition who organised the event was made up of Climate Action Leeds, Friends of the Earth Leeds, Greenpeace Leeds, Leeds Craftivists, Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport, Fossil Free West Yorkshire, Zero Carbon Headingley and Our Zero Selby. This was a unique opportunity for MPs to hear firsthand the views of these groups on the most urgent environmental issues, as the groups collectively represent thousands of constituents in Leeds.

Alex Sobel MP (pictured above) said: “This Climate Action Leeds event was about how different groups in the city, who are really concerned about climate and nature, can engage with politicians like me. We need to urgently work together to help our transition to a fossil free future, not just locally, but nationally and internationally, because we are in the middle of a climate and nature emergency.”

Andy Goldring of Climate Action Leeds chaired the event, and reminded attendees that the climate crisis is a crisis of governance – the facts are well known, but our leaders continue to make catastrophic decisions for our future. Successful political engagement is crucial to bringing about the urgent change we desperately need.

Tony Herrmann of Zero Carbon Headingley led the group in a series of ‘World Café’ style conversations, reflecting on questions such as: ‘How can we collectively be good ancestors?’; ‘How have we been able to influence national policy in the past?’; and ‘How can we as environmental groups work together more effectively?’

Attendees rotated around the room to discuss the range of questions on offer. Alex Sobel stayed on one table throughout the World Café so he could talk to every attendee on the topic of: “How can campaign groups best engage with MPs and decision makers and the national agenda?” Alex advised campaigners that the cost of the net zero transition is the biggest challenge to persuade people about. He said that campaigners could help MPs shift public opinion so that the Government can take stronger environmental action.

The conversations generated a range of practical suggestions to take forward, including: developing an up-to-date database of active Leeds environmental groups; reaching out to local businesses, councillors, and smaller action groups to build community engagement; and learning from innovative local projects such as LILAC and CHACO housing cooperatives. 

The day was a valuable opportunity for groups to unite for strong climate action, and begin to build bridges with politicians to get Leeds voices heard. In a summary session led by Lesley McKay of Greenpeace Leeds, the group agreed to plan further events like this to keep building momentum for a greener future together. 

The organisers hope to involve more MPs and other local politicians in future discussions.