We are currently facing one of the biggest challenges of humanity: The climate crisis. It is upon us and, while government keeps delaying true and meaningful action, Local Authorities around the country have already started taking the necessary steps in the right direction. Last year, Kirklees joined more than 200 councils around the country in declaring a Climate Emergency and outlining plans for tackling some of the most pressing environmental issues at our time at the local level.
Sustainability has been at the heart of my interests from the very beginning of my political career. It has always been my understanding that sustainability encompasses both the protection and improvement of the natural environment, with the aim to build healthy and thriving communities that make a place attractive for people to live, work and study in. It is with this conviction that I embarked on the project of turning Huddersfield into a truly Sustainable Town capable of setting an example for others in the country – and why not the world? – to follow. As your Member of Parliament I will do everything within my power to ensure our natural environment, as well as our streets, businesses and local identity will flourish into this new decade and beyond.
There is no shortage of partners for this endeavour. Key figures from across the Council, the University, the local businesses and retail communities have manifested an interest in working together towards achieving the goal of turning Huddersfield into a sustainable town. Everybody with an interest in seeing this happen is welcome to join me on this adventure. How many trees can we plant? How can we best take care of the spectacular landscape that surrounds us? Where do we need to focus in order to improve our recycling rates, guarantee energy efficiency and improve our transport system? What will it take for our beautiful buildings to be in the best shape they could possibly be? What actions can we take to ensure our community is a strong, thriving and prosperous one? If you have any suggestions, I want to hear from you! So please leave comments or get in touch with my office with your thoughts.
There are no simple answers to these questions, and while the challenges ahead of us are big, so will be the rewards for our town. I am hugely grateful to have been re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Huddersfield; I will continue working on making Huddersfield a better place for all of those who live here, and I warmly invite you to join me in making Huddersfield a truly Sustainable Town.
Barry Sheerman 