We, the undersigned residents of Bideford and the surrounding area, including members of local community and environmental organisations. We formally request that our Member of Parliament, Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, gives due consideration to current independent scientific evidence relating to climate change and biodiversity loss.

We are increasingly aware of changes that raise concerns for the long-term resilience of our communities, infrastructure, and local environment.

North Devon has experienced a number of significant weather-related events in recent years, including periods of intense rainfall and successive named storms. These have contributed to instances of surface water flooding, river level rises within the Torridge catchment, and disruption to agricultural land, transport routes, and low-lying areas in and around Bideford. These trends are of relevance to local resilience planning, land management, and rural livelihoods.

We consider it important that parliamentary decision-making is informed by robust, current, and independently verified scientific evidence.

The National Emergency Climate Briefing provides Members of Parliament with an opportunity to receive direct presentations from independent scientific experts regarding observed climate trends, associated risks, and potential policy responses. Engagement with such briefings may support informed scrutiny and evidence-based debate within Parliament.

We further request consideration of the Climate and Nature Bill, which proposes a strategic framework intended to:

• Align national policy with the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. 
• Support the reversal of biodiversity loss by 2030. 
• Establish a citizens’ assembly to provide advisory input on long-term policy development. 

We respectfully request that our Member of Parliament: Attends or engages with the National Emergency Climate Briefing. 

Considers the evidence presented in relation to both national policy development and constituency-level impacts. 

Gives due consideration to the second reading of the Climate and Nature Bill scheduled for 29th May 2026. 

We recognise the constraints of parliamentary and constituency obligations. However, given the relevance of these matters to coastal and rural communities, we consider them to be of material importance to this constituency.

This petition is submitted in the interests of ensuring that elected representatives are fully informed when considering legislation and policy with long-term implications for current and future generations.