London Mayor candidates to debate environment issues that matter to you

A coalition of environmental groups is hosting a virtual hustings on 12 April for candidates to be the next London Mayor.

Londoners are invited to put questions to candidates from the five parties that received the most votes in the last mayoral election in 2016, who have been invited to speak at an online event about key nature and climate issues in the capital.

The Mayoral Environment Debate, to be chaired by TV presenter and nature enthusiast Julia Bradbury, will take place online between 7-9pm on Monday 12 April ahead of the elections on 6 May.

Key issues which will be discussed include cleaner air, ensuring London has thriving parks and green spaces for people to enjoy and exercise in, helping wildlife and our climate recover, the development of new foot and cycle ways, and green jobs in the capital.

The event is being organised by environment groups within the ‘More Natural Capital Coalition’ and sustainable travel groups including: Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) London, the Woodland Trust, London Wildlife Trust, RSPB, London Living Streets, London National Park City, and Wildlife and Countryside Link.

Green Party mayoral candidate Sian Berry, UKIP’s Peter Gammon and Liberal Democrat candidate Luisa Porritt have all confirmed their participation. Attendance from incumbent mayor and Labour candidate Sadiq Khan and Shaun Bailey of the Conservative party (or their representatives) is also expected.

Neil Sinden, convenor of the More Natural Capital Coalition and Director of CPRE London, said: “Our interlinked nature, climate and public health crises must be at the top of the agenda for the next Mayor of London. Nature has become even more important to Londoners during successive lockdowns in the pandemic. Yet lockdown has also starkly highlighted the inequalities in access to green space, and the health benefits this brings, across the capital.

“This debate will allow the public hear from the candidates on the environmental issues that matter to them. It is a landmark moment in ensuring that the next Mayor of London will deliver the greener, healthier, more resilient capital that Londoners need.”

Londoners who are interested in viewing the debate can register here; there is also the opportunity at the link to suggest questions to be put to the candidates.