The hustings event, run by Kent Wildlife Trust will give candidates from all the main political parties a platform to talk about their plans to address the nature and climate crises, as well as hear from local people.
The event at Bethersden Village Hall on Wednesday, 26th June with doors opening at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. It is the second in a series of hustings run by Kent Wildlife Trust ahead of the general election in July.
Candidates attending the event include:
- John Howson of the Liberal Democrats
- Daniel Kersten of the Reform Party
- Lenny Rolles of the Labour Party
- Kate Walder of the Green Party
Katie Lam, from the Conservative Party has a conflicting event, but will answer pre-submitted questions and has said she will attempt to attend the event in part.
The event will be hosted by former BBC Presenter news Rob Smith who also produces the Trust’s Talk on the Wild Side podcase and open with all candidates presenting their elevator pitch followed by a Q&A session when the audience will be able to put their pre-submitted questions to the panel. It will end with candidates summing up their campaigns and environmental promises.
Kent Wildlife Trust’s Press and Advocacy Officer, Sally Smith says:
“We chose to host this event in the Weald because it is a new constituency which has been impacted heavily by environmental issues, such as the illegal waste disposal issues at Hoad’s Wood, which was one of our flagship campaigns.
“This General Election must be a turning point for the nature and climate crises and we need ambitious and passionate leaders to make that happen. The next UK Government will be responsible for the vital target of protecting 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 – and this can only be done if key priorities are met. These include bringing back the UK’s lost wildlife, addressing river pollution and water scarcity, funding wildlife-friendly farming, enabling healthy communities, and tackling the climate emergency. Local voices are extremely powerful — we want everyone to tell candidates how much nature matters, to them and their vote.”
The upcoming general election will be a defining moment for nature’s recovery, as the next UK Government’s actions will determine whether the 2030 targets set for halting nature’s decline and protecting 30% of land and sea are met.
The landmark 2023 State of Nature Report showed the UK – already classified as one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries – is continuing to see nature decline. One in six UK species is at risk of extinction.
Surveys conducted by The Wildlife Trusts demonstrate a broad range of support for nature across the electorate, irrespective of voting choice. Kent Wildlife Trust believes voters in Weald have the right to hear candidates’ plans to address the nature and climate crisis.
Kent Wildlife Trust would like to see politicians of all parties commit to:
1. Bring back the UK’s lost wildlife
2. End river pollution and water scarcity
3. Fund wildlife-friendly farming
4. Enable healthy communities
5. Tackle the climate emergency by protecting and restoring natural habitats
You can learn more about the Trust’s “Vote Wild” campaign on their website General Election 2024 | Kent Wildlife Trust
FREE tickets for the hustings at Bethersden Village Hall at 8pm on Wednesday, 26th June can be booked online at Eventbrite.
Kent Wildlife Trust is also encouraging everyone to rate how satisfied they are by their candidates’ environmental promises. Read more and rate the candidates here: General election 2024: Satisfaction Survey | The Wildlife Trusts