By Amelia Harris
Charnwood’s Eco Hub has recently raised concerns over the environmental impact of MP Peter Bedford’s carbon negative voting patterns, encouraging local government and residents to step up and look after our planet.
The Eco Hub, an organisation which supports sustainability at a grassroots level, has reacted to the Mid Leicestershire MP’s voting record during his two years in office, labelling it as falling short of expectations.
Emma Ward, Eco Hub director, said: “We are disappointed to hear that an MP representing the Charnwood borough may not be engaging constructively with climate issues.”
The Conservative MP, since being elected in 2024, has repeatedly voted against environmental bills such as one increasing windfall tax on polluting oil and gas companies, and the Low Carbon Electricity Generation Bill which encourages low carbon electricity generation through subsidies and applying limits on power stations emissions.
Mr Bedford said: “I wouldn’t want to see green policies prevent progress or hold the economy back.”
He was also quoted in a video from Parliament as stating: “The Climate Change Act forces government ministers to meet rigid, legally binding emissions targets, regardless of the economic consequences.”
Ms Ward said: “The hub encourages our local government representatives to come and visit to understand how important and impactful they can be in protecting the future of our society and our planet.
“We believe that it is crucial for everyone to take positive steps towards reducing their environmental impact, regardless of political alignment.”
The organisation, based in Loughborough, hosts events revolving around up-cycling and sustainable living, and runs projects such as the Scrapstore project and the Eco Refill Station.
The hub plans to continue its projects and events, calling on leaders and residents alike to take action on climate and sustainability issues, to protect our future.
