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 Wednesday 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 11.30am, there will be a collective photo that everyone can take part in, to help get media attention for the lobby. Sign up to join the photo here.
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.
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.
Copies of our lobby guide, and briefings to hand to your MP, will be available at the Debt Justice stall in the QE2 centre on the day of the lobby.
Ahead of the mass lobby we held two debt and climate-themed training sessions. You can access a recording of one of the sessions below.
These sessions covered all the information you’ll 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.
How do I register?
Let us know you’re coming by registering here – this will take you to the Climate Coalition website. Registration will close at midday on Tuesday 8 July.
If you’ve not met with your MP before, don’t worry – the briefings and other materials you’ll need can be found via the buttons on this page, and at our Debt Justice stall in the QEII Conference Centre on the day. Staff will be on hand between 9.30am and 4.30pm to answer your questions.
Accessibility
If you need financial support to attend, including to cover costs such as transport, accommodation or childcare, The Climate Coalition will send you details of how to access their travel and inclusion bursary once you’ve registered.
