Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust: Let’s not let the nature of election debate prevent us speaking up for nature

If one thing is so far clear about the current General Election campaign, it’s that a considerable proportion of the potential electorate are switched somewhat switched off by the nature of the debate and tone of the discourse. Many people feel frustrated, angry and I’m sure even more just feel ‘meh’, writes Erin McDaid of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

Despite people’s frustrations and lack of enthusiasm, it would be a disaster if distaste for the way politics is conducted and covered prevented people from speaking up for nature.

With a lack of trust across parties, concerns about political infighting and the effectiveness of the first past the post system, it’s little wonder that many people choose to disengage. But, with only two weeks to polling day, it is vital that people and the media focus on issues rather than the cut and thrust of the party-political circus.

Whilst a significant proportion of the population might say that they had little interest in politics, I would argue that this really suggests that they have little interest in party politics. Politics, at its heart is fundamentally about issues that affect our daily lives — and most people have a range of issues that they care deeply about. I would also proffer that even those who consider themselves disengaged from politics would prefer to see politicians better representing their views.

When we disengage from politics, we risk creating a vicious circle where it becomes ever easier to declare that politicians don’t represent or speak for us. We must therefore force politicians’ hands by sending them a clear message about what we care most about and what we want to see done.

Everyday concerns such as the money in our pockets and the state of the National Health Service we all relay on at some stage, are inevitably going to come out high in polls of the issues that matter. Politicians are right to focus on these but we know people also plan to vote based on the environmental actions promised by parties.

Protecting wildlife and the environment is a priority issue for up to 40% of people and in a recent YouGov poll about the single most important issues for people leading into the election, the environment and climate change came out above issues including housing, tax, crime, defence and security, pensions, welfare and education — issues we continue to hear much more about from politicians and commentators.

With most of the election campaign now behind us, there has been too little focus on environmental issues. Given the scale and urgency of the nature and climate crises and that fact so many people care passionately about these issues, this surely has to change.

The Wildlife Trusts are therefore posing the question: Nature, Who Cares? We know that so many people do and we’re calling on those who share our passion to send a clear message to all prospective parliamentary candidates. In less than two weeks one of the candidates will become your Member of Parliament — responsible for championing the matters that affect you.

Whether you’re someone who doesn’t usually make your voice heard or a seasoned campaigner; this is your chance to tell candidates, regardless of party affiliation, that nature in your area is a priority for you. The more they hear why nature matters to individuals, the higher up the list of priorities nature and climate will be on their list of issues when they rock up at Parliament in July to represent you. I was recently involved in a Climate and Nature Hustings in Gedling where over 100 people sent a clear message to candidates that these really are issues that matter.

Engaging with candidates now and considering their response or, indeed, lack of response is a good way to help decide whether to or how to vote on July 4. To make it quick and easy to let candidates know that you care about nature, The Wildlife Trusts have created a quick and simple email action on our website which means you don’t have to search for details of local candidates. On the website you can also find blogs outlining our thoughts on party manifestos.

To email your candidates, download a ‘Nature, Who Cares?’ poster, read our assessment of manifestos or find details of local nature focussed hustings visit wildlifetrusts.org/general-election-2024

So, whether you consider yourself a political animal or not, I urge you to speak up for nature by telling local candidates that you are one of the millions that cares.