Candidates answer questions at Holborn and St Pancras climate and nature hustings

On Thursday 27 June candidates for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency seat took part in a climate and nature hustings at St Pancras New Church on Euston Road.

The event was organised by the “politically neutral” Zero Hour, the campaign team of the proposed Climate and Nature Bill. All candidates and representatives expressed their support for the bill, which pledges to reduce UK emissions and halt and reverse nature loss through a cross-party approach.

The event was chaired by Matthew Gould, CEO of the Zoological Society of London.

Charlie Clinton (Liberal Democrats), Andrew Feinstein (Independent), Adam Harrison (Labour, deputising for Keir Starmer) and David Robert Stansell (Green Party) participated.

The Zero Hour team have issued a statement to explain the presence of the aforementioned individuals and the absence of other candidates. They stated: “It would have been impractical to invite a representative from each party” and “invited only the top polling candidates.” The Conservatives declined to send a representative. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) candidate Tom Scripps was not invited due to low polling statistics and subsequently spoke from the audience in protest.

Attendee constituents had the opportunity to propose climate and nature related questions to the candidates. Each candidate presented their stance on the issue and how they would confront the matter if elected.

Candidates exhibited a general level of understanding towards the immediacy of the climate crisis and the importance of local and national action.

Clinton stated: “We don’t have another chance to get this right”; while Stansell proclaimed: “Climate and nature are the issues of our times”.

Throughout, candidates returned to the importance of green spaces in the area and the need to improve housing.

Candidates responded to the question of how to heat homes in a sustainable and affordable way. Clinton argued for increased wind and solar, European integration and the idea of “borrowing to invest”.

Both Clinton and Harrison proposed an improved version of the Windfall tax, while Harrison proposed Labour’s Great British Energy company to restore the UK as a climate leader. Harrison also stated that we must “decarbonise our country as rapidly as possible.”

Feinstein called for a diversion of skilled workers from defence into renewables. Stansell proposed increased investment in renewable energy such as wind, improved home insulation and net zero by 2040.

The question of how to promote public transport to reduce carbon emissions in central London was met with promises of improved accessibility.

Clinton suggested that fares should be frozen and highlighted the potential of top-down policies similar to Ulez if implemented more effectively. Feinstein stated that key bus routes had been cut as they were unprofitable and emphasised policies centred on “people, not profit”. Harrison discussed the prospect of the state run Great British Railways and improved bus networks outside London. Stansell focused on the importance of proper standards for cycle routes similar to Amsterdam and Paris.

Candidates were asked how they would encourage those from deprived areas to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Clinton promised to work with the council and parliament to champion this, alongside 60 other behaviours that would lower Carbon footprint. Feinstein stated that previously, individuals who undertook such measures had felt unsupported by their MP and promised to empower communities. Harrison proposed investment in a “food accelerator programme” and the election of a dedicated office to promote home growth. Stansell proposed mandated school and adult courses to teach sustainable cultivation.

The Fitzrovia News proposed the following questions to Clinton, Feinstein and Stansell individually.

When asked about the post-2025 introduction of a congestion charge for electric vehicles (EVs), Clinton and Feinstein expressed reservation. Feinstein described EVs as better alternatives for those who still need to drive, while Clinton believed it was too soon to “level the playing field” between electric and petrol vehicles. Stansell, however, stated that central London roads were overly congested without the proposed charge.

Candidates were asked how they would deliver promises if the ruling party had different climate interests. Clinton, Feinstein and Stansell all responded that their priority would lie in holding the ruling party to account through consistent pressure.

While the hustings presented a respectable level of amicability between candidates, relations between constituents and candidates were heated. There was widespread discontent towards the absence of Starmer. Constituents subsequently directed their discontent towards Harrison.

Dr Amy McDonnell, co-director of Zero Hour stated: “[Thursday’s] hustings in Holborn and St Pancras was a vital opportunity for Keir Starmer to lay out Labour’s plans to his constituents, and it is a shame that he did not attend.”

The event was an effective indication of widespread public desire for rapid, increased climate action. Questions and comments of constituents demonstrated a general desire for increased governmental support so that individuals can afford to live more sustainably. Time will demonstrate whether candidate promises can materialise into reality.