In just two weeks time the much awaited UN climate talks will begin and leaders from across the world will gather in Glasgow to determine our global response to the greatest threat facing people and planet: the climate and ecological emergency.

I believe our response to the climate emergency must be led by working people – those who are already feeling the effects of the climate crisis the hardest. For COP26 to be a success, and bring about the just and democratic transition so urgently needed, decisions made cannot be left to the whims of one politician or even one party. It must be something we all have a stake in.

That is why in January 2021 I launched a series of climate assemblies, to bring the issues that will be discussed at the conference back to the people of Hallam—so that, in the absence of a government willing to act, we could begin to build our own vision of what a green recovery looks like. 

The ideas and principles outlined in this document have been drawn from these conversations and the points raised. They describe the changes my constituents said they would like to see at a local, regional, national, and international level – changes we will take to the Prime Minister ahead of the conference. I hope Boris Johnson will consider these thoughtful, considered, and practical suggestions the people of Hallam have put forward. They provide an excellent starting point for COP26, and the debate over how we build an economy and society with climate justice at its core.  

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in this project. I have really looked forward to each assembly and have loved having the opportunity to discuss these important issues with you. During the ups and downs of the past year these meetings, and the many ideas shared, have brought me hope and energy to keep fighting. I hope we can now use this Manifesto to push for the radical change needed at and beyond COP26. 

Olivia Blake 

Design by Julie Saumagne.