Working Groups Update
York and North Yorkshire Mayoral Election Campaign Working Group
We have been busy contacting candidates ahead of the mayoral elections on the 2nd May. There are now 6 candidates and we have already had an individual meeting with David Skaith the labour candidate to discuss FOEs climate plan for North Yorkshire and find out his views. Members of York and Thirsk FOE and NYCC had a really interesting and positive discussion around a range of green issues. There are also meetings planned with two other candidates - Felicity Cunliffe Lister (Lib Dems) and Keith Tordoff (independent.)
We have also organised a “Environment and Nature” hustings with the mayoral candidates on Earth Day 22nd April. This is an online hustings, organised in association with the Regional Youth Climate Assembly, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, North Yorkshire West Federation Women’s Institute, Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, National Trust, North Yorkshire Climate Coalition and CPRENEY.
Watch the webcast by clicking the button below
Sarah Perkin
United for Warm Homes Working Group
What have we been up to?
We set up a stall during Sustainability Week at the University of York and asked people to complete postcards to pass onto our political representatives.
Labour Party members passed a resolution at their York General Meeting calling on Labour representatives and candidates at national, county and city level to give their support. We encourage members of other political parties to follow suit.
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, has pledged her support for the campaign and we have met her and Council members to hand over a copy of the Marmot report on the Health Impacts of Cold Homes.
We have written to Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, asking to meet him but have, so far, received no reply. We hope to set up a stall in the York Outer constituency (New Earswick?) to log support for the campaign and convey this back to Mr Sturdy.
Chris Copland
Rivers Working Group
The rivers working group took part in the XR march in February to highlight the state of the Ouse and call Yorkshire Water to account. We are in touch with Save our Swale in North Yorkshire and are looking for ways to test water quality locally. There is lots to do and plenty of opportunity for people to help us do it!
James McCarthy
If you would like to get involved with any of the working groups, contact yorkfoecoord@gmail.com