Don’t let the UK screw us over twice in one day!
Posted on 08. Dec, 2010 by annac in Action alert, United Kingdom
The UK generally isn’t the most exciting country to track in these negotiations. Unlike my tracker friends from countries like Canada, China and the USA, who seem to have something exciting to write about every two minutes, we hide behind the EU position. And they are generally not being either terrible or groundbreaking in these talks. I guess as an activist I should be happy that I don’t have the drama of Canada or the USA to write about, it means we’re not royally screwing these talks up. But as a writer I could really do with some excitement to write about every now and again!
But this morning I have my wish come true, because news in the halls is that just as the high level ministerial segment starts here in Cancun our Minister Chris Huhne may be back off home. Over in the UK all hell is breaking loose over the governments plans to increase top up fees and Chris has been called home to vote on the issue, as the coalition government need all the support they can get.
But we need all the help we can get here too. Since he has been here Chris has been working with the Minister of Brazil to try and consult with parties and find a way forward with the Kyoto Protocol issue (whether or not we get another commitment period). He’s doing a really important job, this issue could make or break these talks.
We NEED Chris here in Cancun, the UK are some form of leader in these talks, often playing a facilitation and mediating role, we need him to continue doing this.
If Chris goes home to vote to increase tuition fees he will not just be screwing young people over once, by making education unaffordable to most, but twice, by putting our whole future in jeopardy.
We have a very short amount of time to stop this happening (the vote is tomorrow and it’s already early evening in the UK) but let’s give it a go. My friends over at the UK Youth Climate Coalition are bombarding Downing Street’s switchboard, if you have a minute, pick up the phone and let them know you want Chris to remain right here in Cancun, working for our future.
Negotiator Tracker - Anna Collins
Anna Collins Born and bred in Warrington in the *sunny* North of England, Anna was brought up by parents with a deep sense of justice and taught to always fight for what she believed is right. "I guess you could say it was in the blood, my gran went to Greenham Common in the 80s"... read more»
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