JULY 2025
News
Sign now to help secure forest protection
The UK government has just given its clearest indication yet that it plans to address the environmental and human rights issues in UK company supply chains. So thank you for signing the national petition calling for a new law to do just that. The pressure is working.
The government's new trade strategy includes a long-overdue review of responsible business conduct – focusing on the global supply chains of businesses operating in the UK. This could open the door for strong regulation that protects human rights and nature from corporate cowboys.
But we need more than warm words to protect forests around the world - we need a new law. Over the summer we're collecting signatures for our own local Planet Over Profit Petition to present to our local MPs, asking for help ahead of the COP30 summit.
Every signature is an important demonstration of support. Will you sign the petition?
The government's new trade strategy says: " ...we recognise that concerns continue to be raised regarding the effectiveness of the UK’s regulatory regime in preventing human rights, labour rights, and environmental harms in supply chains.... We will launch a review of our approach to ensuring responsible business conduct, focusing on the global supply chains of businesses operating in the UK."
So it’s good to see this acknowledgement of the damage supply chains cause globally. And it presents a good opportunity for us to push for a new law to prevent harms to people and planet.
This is a great opportunity to help vulnerable ecosystems and human rights around the world. Along with the help of our local MPs, we can really make a difference. Please sign the petition - every signature counts!
MPs listen to our climate concerns
A huge well done to everyone who came along to the Climate Change Coalition's mass lobby of MPs on Wednesday 9th July 2025.
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Friends of the Earth members and others from St Albans District joined more than 5000 people from all over the country, meeting 200 MPs, all asking for action on the climate and nature.
And our efforts were noticed, with coverage in all major newspapers plus on the BBC and GB News. As well as this, the Prime Minister was quick to issue a statement of support and the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP shared a public video backing our call for urgent action.
Representatives from St Albans District Friends of the Earth and other local organizations pictured above with St Albans MP, Daisy Cooper MP. Daisy listened to everyone's requests and promised action on each of them.
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In response to our request she promised to write to senior members of the Labour Government asking for a bold and fair Climate Action Plan.
And here's Harpenden MP, Victoria Collins, with more local representatives, including from St Albans District Friends of the Earth. The meeting was very positive with everyone being heard.
I think we all agreed that our MP meetings were very worthwhile and it felt powerful to be part of such a well supported day of action. With the Government obliged to have a new Climate Plan ready by 29th October there's still much to do - I'll keep you updated.
And finally... Get active on social media
If you've not joined the St. Albans Friends of the Earth Facebook Group yet, then there's no time like the present.
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And get on Twitter to find us at @stalbansfoe
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If you're really keen, then get some top tips to be really effective on social media here.