Christine Allen, CAFOD Director:
“As COP30 approaches, we face the stark reality that over 93% of climate-vulnerable countries are trapped in a debt crisis, undermining their ability to respond to climate related disasters and protect their communities. Today, people of faith from across the UK are urging MPs to act now. This is a key moment during the Jubilee Year to speak out and demand change. The UK must lead bold global reforms to cancel unjust debt and unlock funds to fight a crisis these countries did least to cause. This is about justice and urgent action.”
Today, thousands of people from every nation and region across the UK will travel to Westminster in the biggest mass lobby of the decade, calling on their MPs to take urgent action to protect communities, restore nature and secure a safer future for everyone.
Over 5,000 people are expected to meet with over 300 MPs in a striking display of democratic action. Organised by The Climate Coalition, a network of over 120 leading UK organisations representing more than 22 million people, the public mobilisation comes amid growing concern about the UK’s preparedness for climate impacts, following flooding and heatwaves already this year.
This rising wave of public demand for action has culminated in thousands of people from all walks of life, coming to meet their MPs - from parents and pensioners to farmers, doctors, teachers, faith leaders, youth campaigners and children, in a striking display of the depth of public concern and resolve, with a clear demand for real action.
Citizens will be asking MPs to back urgent action by committing to:
Deliver vital funding to communities hit hardest by climate change.
Restore nature to create a safer and healthier future.
Back UK jobs and secure a greener, fairer future for all.
New polling reveals that people want MPs to take bold action on climate change to protect their families, communities, and future generations from the impacts of climate change on people and nature:
75% are concerned about the impact of climate change on the UK, 65% on their families, 69% on the impact on the most vulnerable and hardest hit communities globally, and 81% are worried about future generations (their children and grandchildren).
65% believe it is the Government and global institutions that should be taking the lead, but only 22% think the UK Government is currently doing enough.
One year on from their General Election win, the Labour Government is being called upon to deliver on its manifesto promises to be ambitious and bold on climate and nature policy:
63% think their local MP needs to support action to protect people and nature in their local community from the effects of climate change (rising to 74% of Labour voters).
The majority (56%) think that their local MP needs to support measures to reach the UK’s target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 (rising to 78% of Labour voters).
Ahead of the Mass Lobby, The People’s Picture lit up the white cliffs of Dover to provide a visual symbol of the scale of public support, illuminated with a giant mosaic green heart, created from more than 1,500 photos submitted by people across the UK.
The People’s Picture, designed by renowned public artist Helen Marshall, captures what people love and want to protect, from family and food to forests and faith. Projected on one of Britain’s most iconic natural landmarks visibly impacted by climate change, the image represents the breadth, unity and hope of a country ready for change.
Leading lights from the entertainment, food, literary and sporting worlds join people from across the UK to demand bold action for people, climate and nature. The project has attracted widespread high profile support, including from Actors: Adjoa Andoh, Adrian Lester, Aggy K. Adams, Amanda Abbington, Bella Ramsey, Bonnie Wright, Brian Cox, David Gyasi, David Harewood, Fehinti Balogun, Matthew Rhys and Stephen Fry; Broadcasters: Amanda Lamb, Ben Fogle, Jim Chapman, Kate Lawler and Konnie Huq; Comedians: Nish Kumar, Shazia Mirza and Stuart Goldsmith; Chefs: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Ken Hom, Levi Roots; Writers and Poets: Ben Okri, Hollie McNish, Isabella Tree and Mark Haddon; Professional footballers: Dan Bentley and Tom Davies; and Environmental Activists: Dominique Palmer, Laura Young and Satish Kumar.
This is a moment for political courage. The message from constituents is clear: lead the transition to a greener, fairer UK – now, before it’s too late.
Helen Meech, Executive Director, The Climate Coalition:
“Right across the UK, people are stepping up to protect the things they love — from clean air and green spaces to secure jobs and warm homes. Today thousands are coming to Westminster with a simple message for their MPs: the time for bold leadership is now. This is one of the biggest democratic moments for climate and nature in years — and a chance to show that acting for our future is not just popular, it’s essential.”
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust:
"The UK's natural and cultural heritage is something we should all treasure. But right now, those buildings, landscapes, wildlife and collections that mean so much to so many people are under serious threat from the effects of a rapidly heating climate. It is part of the National Trust's job to help change that. So we're joining thousands of others on 9th July to tell our MPs: now is the time for decisive action. A year ago, this Government was elected with a mandate, and a legal obligation, to put nature into recovery and protect the next generation from climate change. After more record-breaking temperatures this spring, we need our politicians to heed these alarms, show they are listening to the British public, and fully deliver on their promises. "
Tanya Steele, Chief Executive at WWF:
“It’s time to protect what matters most: our nature, our health, our communities and our future. Millions of people across the country care deeply about the future of our planet. People want strong leadership and bold, urgent action to restore nature and tackle climate change. Today’s mass lobby of MPs must be a turning point, a moment for us all to unite and show our leaders that we, their constituents, want to live in a country where people and nature can thrive together.”
Halima Begum, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB:
“In the global South, from 2030 to 2050, the climate crisis is expected to precipitate an additional quarter of a million deaths a year linked to undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress. An additional 2 million lives could be lost in Europe cities by 2099. MPs need to think of our communities and children and help reform a system where the interests of the corporations, the billionaires and oligarchs prevail.
“The UK must fairly cut emissions and provide vital financial contributions to help communities at home and abroad who are suffering the worst impacts of the climate breakdown, despite doing the least to cause it. A more equal and sustainable world is possible. But it will require our leaders to take tangible steps on the climate emergency to ensure we have a planet where everyone can actually survive, regardless of their wealth.”
Dr Mya-Rose Craig D.Sc. h.c., Founder & President, Black2Nature:
“Young people have been sounding the alarm for years — but we shouldn’t have to do this alone. Climate and nature breakdown is already hitting communities across the UK and around the world, and it’s the most marginalised who are paying the highest price. On 9th July, we’re bringing our voices to Westminster to demand real action. This is a moment for MPs to listen, to lead, and to stand up for a future where everyone — and every species — can thrive.”
Charlotte Howell, Co-Director, Parents for Future:
“As parents, our greatest priority is to keep our children safe and healthy, right now and in the future. We are making it clear to MPs that climate action isn't optional—it’s critical. We’re calling for courageous leadership, because our children depend on it.”
Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of Co-op:
“At Co-op, we believe that we all have a part to play in tackling the climate crisis and it’s vital that we work together to see a greener, cleaner and fairer future. As the UK’s largest member-owned co-operative, we firmly believe in the transformative power of bringing people together and the importance of democracy. That’s why we’re proud to be a part of today’s mass lobby, as it’s a perfect example of the power of people coming together to call for a better world for all the generations to come. There’s no time to waste.”
Father Charlie Chilufya, from Kenya and Director of JENA (Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa):
“This mass lobby is a powerful moment, bringing together people of faith and goodwill from across the UK to speak with one voice — calling on the UK government to act now. Across Africa, vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of a climate crisis they did not cause, while unjust debt burdens drain resources that should be going towards climate action and resilience. This is morally indefensible. I’m heartened to see so many in the UK uniting in Westminster, to meet their MPs and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Global South to demand action now. In this Jubilee Year, let’s match words with action, turning faith into justice and lasting change for our common home.”
Luke Harman, Campaigns & Activism Manager, at Christian Aid, said:
“The cost of the climate crisis is continuing to rise and hit the people living in poverty the hardest. The mass lobby of Parliament is a crucial moment for Christians to join with other faith groups, conservation charities and anti-poverty campaigners to raise our voices.
"As Christian Aid supporters have been doing for 80 years, we'll stand with our global neighbours and hold politicians accountable to the needs of people most impacted.”
Helen Marshall, Artist of The People’s Picture:
“As an artist, I believe that uniting people through a work of art made from their photos and messages of love and kindness is one of the most powerful and emotional ways to highlight the climate crisis. I hope this effort will inspire and influence those in power to take meaningful action—something art has always had the potential to do. I feel a strong drive to shape The People’s Picture in a way that reflects my own values and those closest to me: my mother’s unwavering dedication to nature and the communities that protect it, my daughter’s future in an increasingly uncertain world, and the natural environment that gives me solace in difficult times.”
The Act Now, Change Forever Mass Lobby asks politicians to step up, and to be united with their constituents by hope and determination to build something better. It is time for political courage and for MPs to stand with their constituents, to act for future generations, and to lead the transition to a greener, fairer, more resilient UK.
Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact: climatecoalition@greenhouse.agency
Interviews and quotes available. Interviews with Helen Meech, Executive Director of The Climate Coalition, CEOs of the UK’s leading climate NGOs, faith leaders, health professionals, youth activists and citizens from across the UK.
Photos and film available. Photocall at 11.30 in Parliament Square. High-res images of NGO groups and citizens outside Parliament sharing their call to action. People’s Picture on white cliffs of Dover - high-res images and animation, video and B-roll footage of the projection of the People’s Picture. Short film: Short Film - TCC Mass Climate Lobby
Survey was carried out among 2050 citizens by Opinium Research Ltd between 25-27 June.
About The People’s Picture
The People’s Picture is a photography and design studio, founded and run by British Artist Helen Marshall, that creates high quality photo mosaic art and installations for public and private clients across the world. Helen’s portfolio includes exhibitions and commissions for the Kennedy Space Center, The Horniman Museum, The National Memorial Arboretum, Royal College of Surgeons, BBC Television, Tate Britain, The Photographers’ Gallery, Financial Times and Canary Wharf Group. She won the Nikon Photo International Award in 2002 and holds a World Record for creating the largest photo mosaic in Birmingham in 2008.
About The Climate Coalition
The lobby is being organised by The Climate Coalition. The Climate Coalition consists of over 120 leading UK organisations representing more than 22 million people. They are the largest group of people dedicated to action on climate and the ecological crisis who are coming together online to demand that their MPs invest in a greener, fairer, healthier society. The Climate Coalition includes members such as: RSPB, Women’s Institute, National Trust, Tearfund, Greenpeace, CAFOD, Christian Aid, Surfers Against Sewage, Oxfam, WWF and many more. www.theclimatecoalition.org
From 2030 to 2050, the climate crisis is expected to precipitate an additional quarter of a million deaths a year linked to undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress - https://www.who.int/health-topics/climate-change#tab=tab_1 An additional 2 million lives could be lost in Europe cities by 2099. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03452-2
Full list of organisations involved in organising the event:
A Rocha, Ad Free Cities, Animal Rising, Bioabundance, Butterfly Conservation, CAFOD, Cambridgeshire Climate Emergency, Campaign Against Climate Change, Carbon Copy, Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Christian Aid, Citizens UK, Climate Cymru,Climate Media Coalition, Climate Outreach, Co-Operative Group, Columbans Community Integrated Care, Compassion in World Farming CPRE, Debt Justice, Derby Climate Change Coalition, Directorate of Water and Energy, Disability Rights UK, Doctors Association, Ealing Transition, Eco Congregation Scotland, Eastbourne Eco Action Network, Eating Better, Eco Churches, Eco Judaism, Energise Sussex, Extinction Rebellion, Fare Free London, Faith for the Climate, Flight Free UK, Flooded People, Fossil Free Oxon, Friends of the Earth, Garden Organic, Global Citizens, Global Justice Now, Good Gym, Green Christian, Green Orbit Digital, Greenpeace, Guisborough Eco Group, Hanover Action, Harrow Nature Conservation, Hope for the Future, Islamic Relief UK, Islington Climate Centre, Jesuit Missions, Joint Public Issues Team, MCS Charitable Foundation, MedAct, Media Revolution, Mental Health Foundation, Mothers CAN, Mothers Rise Up, MP Watch, Muslim Charities Forum, National Council of Women, National Pensioners Convention, National Trust, Nature Friendly Farming Network, New North London Synagogue, No Airport Expansion, Operation Noah, Our Grandchildren’s Climate, Oxfam GB, Oxfordshire Climate Change Alliance, Parents for Future UK, Parish Environment Support Network, Peat Free Partnership, Planet Shaftesbury, Quakers, Restore Nature Now, Ringmer Greenfields, Rowanbank Environmental Arts and Education, RSPB, Safe Air Schools, Saint Andrews Church Chelmsford, Salvation Army, Save the Children, Scottish Communities Climate Action Network, Shelia McKechnie Foundation, Soil Association, St Ives Eco Cafe, Stamp Out Poverty, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Stop Rosebank, Students Organising for Sustainability, Surfers Against Sewage, Sustainable Nantwich, Sustainable St Albans, Sutton Climate Friends, Swindon Climate Action Network, Tearfund, Transition Town Kingston, UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, Uplift, Urban Diggers, WaterAid, Westminster Churches, Wildlife Trusts, Wiltshire Climate Alliance, Winchester Action on Climate Crisis, Women’s Institute, Woodland Trust, WWF, WWT Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, Zero Carbon Guildford, Zero Hour, ZSL, Women’s Environmental Network.