Across the UK and around the world, people are resisting, demanding action on the twin crises of debt and climate.
In the UK, thousands of us will join forces on 9 July for The Climate Coalition’s mass lobby of parliament in central London. This is our opportunity to demand global justice on debt and climate: it’s a time for hope – and a time for action.
What’s a mass lobby?
A mass lobby is when thousands of people all come together on the same day to speak to their MPs with a unified voice. It can be a hugely powerful way to demand urgent political action.
We know it works. In past mass lobbies, people coming together face-to-face with their MPs has made a real difference — shaping decisions and building long-term relationships.
On 9 July we’ll do it again, showing our MPs that we want them to take action to get lower-income country debts cancelled.
Previous MP lobbies
Why now?
We’re in the biggest global debt crisis in thirty years – it’s an injustice that’s colliding with the climate emergency and wreaking havoc in lower-income countries. These countries have done the least to cause the climate emergency, but climate change is hitting them first and hardest, forcing them deeper into debt.
When disaster hits, rich countries like the UK push more loans to fund rebuilding, trapping lower-income countries even deeper in debt.
An incredible 93% of climate vulnerable states are now facing debt crisis.
After the last election, over 300 new MPs entered parliament — many are still getting to know their communities and deciding what kind of leaders they want to be. Now, one year on, is the perfect time to remind MPs of the role they can play in tackling both the debt and climate crisis.
What’s happening on the day?
On the day of the lobby, constituents will meet their MPs at times and locations pre-arranged by The Climate Coalition. The meetings will all take place indoors, in venues close to parliament. You’ll be joining others from your constituency, with time to discuss the issues that matter to you.
At midday, there will be a collective stunt that everyone can take part in, to help get media attention for the lobby.
The meetings with MPs will be staggered throughout the day, with the constituencies furthest from London meeting latest in the day, to give time for travel.
Debt Justice staff will be available on the day to speak to you about the Cancel Debt, Choose Hope campaign and to support you in your meeting with your MP.
(For those who cannot be there on the day, we will provide ways to take action online to make sure your message gets to your MP. )
What are we asking of MPs?
Nine in ten of the debt contracts between private lenders and lower-income countries are overseen by UK law. A debt justice law here could help get debt cancelled for countries in crisis, freeing up funds to help deal with the climate emergency.
A bill going through parliament – The ‘Debt Relief Bill’ – could do just that. We need MPs to urgently put their support behind this bill and call for action on the debt crisis.
How do I register?
Let us know you’re coming – register your interest here – this will take you to the Climate Coalition website
If you’ve not done this before, don’t worry – we’ll provide you with briefings and other materials that will have all the information you need.
Ahead of the mass lobby we’ll hold three debt and climate-themed training sessions to help prepare you for your meeting with your MP (you only need to attend one).
At the training session, you’ll get all the information you need about what’s happening on the day, including key meeting points, what to ask of your MP, and the background to the impact of the debt and climate crises on lower-income countries.
These supporter trainings will take place on:
- Evening of Wednesday 21st May
- Midday on 3 June
- A final training will take place in early July (exact timings TBC)
Accessibility
We’re a small organisation and unfortunately are not currently in a position to cover transport costs to help people travel to London.
We understand that this may make it difficult for some of our supporters to attend and we are working with The Climate Coalition on ways to address this.
For those who cannot be there on the day, we will provide ways to take action online to make sure your message gets to your MP.
