Reader’s letter: Plea to MP to lay foundations for greener future
An open letter to Newark MP Robert Jenrick: We write as a group of business leaders who met at Gusto House.
The event was “People, Planet, Pastry”, which brought together around 30 business leaders from across the region.
The simple purpose of the meeting was to share the ways we are changing our businesses to focus on people, planet and profit.
We all understand the important role that businesses play in accelerating the transition to a healthier, more sustainable future.
The decline of our natural world is an issue we can no longer afford to ignore. Rising temperatures, failing crops, and diminishing biodiversity are symptoms of a much larger problem, and the business community has a pivotal role to play in addressing these global challenges.
We are not party political and are committed to working closely with whoever our elected representatives are. The risks associated with climate change and the economic opportunities for leading the global green economy are too great to be used as a political football.
You could use this period in opposition to encourage the government to set policies which incentivise businesses to innovate towards a more sustainable future.
Yet, we are concerned that you aligned your leadership campaign with policy decisions and rhetoric, such as those expressed by Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg which do not reflect the urgency required.
Statements dismissing climate action as ‘obsessive’ or counterproductive undermine the progress we desperately need and are inconsistent with the leadership role the UK has played in the global effort to cut emissions.
It is not enough for a small number of businesses to shoulder the burden of sustainability while the larger economic framework rem-ains unchanged.
We need policies that incentivise sustainable practices across the board, not just for those who are already committed to change. For in-stance, measures that reward companies for reducing carbon emissions or penalise carbon-intensive practices could level the playing field for those striving to do the right thing in a competitive market.
We believe that meaningful change will come not through political appointments that signal a step backward, but through championing the businesses and innovators who are already working to make a difference.
If we are to spearhead a clean industrial revolution, the business community needs greater support. Policies that promote sustainability must be more than aspirational; they must be backed by concrete action and local initiatives.
We propose that Newark and Sherwood District Council and other local bodies adopt a policy of partnering with businesses that can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, such as through B Corp certification.
This would send a powerful message that our constituency is at the forefront of positive change and could serve as a model for other regions.
Mr Jenrick, we recognise your dedication to the Newark constituency and the Conservative Party's future. We encourage the prioritisation of policies that recognise the urgency of the climate crisis and the vital role of businesses in addressing it.
Working together, we can ensure our shared efforts are not for nothing but rather lay the foundation for a prosperous, sustainable future. — NEWARK PEOPLE, PLANET, PASTRY.
