Environmental campaigners will be in Witney tomorrow (December 20) to sing Christmas carols with a bit of a twist.

The famous festive songs have been adapted to have climate change-related lyrics.

It is the latest attempt by a group called Robert Courts Watch 'to press the MP to do more on climate issues'.

Robert Courts Watch was launched in July to 'inform constituents' about the MP's record on environmental matters 'and any discrepancies between what he says and he votes in the House of Commons'.

The group have been holding an Advent vigil, between 12.30 and 1pm, every Tuesday in Advent, opposite the Conservative constituency office in Witney High Street.

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At the vigil on December 20 it is hoped there will be a large enough group to sing some adapted hymns and carols.

Co-founder Hugo Kerr said: "This is a part of our efforts to move Mr Courts towards better climate understanding and action.

"Climate change is an existential issue, which our Government is not addressing with sufficient urgency.

"Mr Courts is party to this inadequate approach."

Members of the group have toured Witney and Chipping Norton with sandwich boards and handed out leaflets.

Many members and supporters were also present when Zero Hour Oxfordshire handed in a letter to the Conservative constituency office and simultaneously six other Oxfordshire MPs, with the Witney crowd being the largest at something over 30.

Mr Kerr said: "We have been in contact with the chair of the constituency Conservative association and will hold a small meeting with him in March next year.

"This is to clarify the air and our positions and, we hope, apply that bit more pressure on Robert to shift his.

"Reliable polls indicate that some 80 per cent of us are worried about climate change and a similar number feel that the government is not doing enough.

"This is a growing and hardening trend, and Robert will find himself stranded the wrong side of public opinion in 2024, we think."

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Mr Courts said: "The UK Government continues to be a world-leader in tackling climate change.

"Since 2010, the UK has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent, which represents the best performance of any major economy.

"In fact, the UK remains at the top of the G20 leader board for its long-term decarbonisation rate. 

"I am proud of the actions taken by the Government to tackle climate change, which reflect the seriousness of the issue."

 

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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