The final in-person climate conversation took place in-front of a sold out venue in Rochester on Wednesday night. It was the last in a series of public events which saw councillors from the Medway Labour and Co-operative Group engaging with local residents about their concerns during this environmental emergency. The Group were delighted to be joined by former Undertones frontman Feargal Sharkey, who has recently spearheaded campaigns to protect our rivers from pollution.

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of the Medway Labour and Co-operative Group said: 

“It was a privilege to share a platform with Feargal Sharkey at the final in person climate conversation of 2022.  Throughout this process we have both shared our vision and importantly listened to the concerns and suggestions of the community.  

“The conversation has gone across the five towns and High Halstow on the Peninsula making sure as many residents had an opportunity to input.  It’s clear that many residents feel the pace of progress from the current Conservative administration on the climate emergency has been far too slow with real concern around Conservative cabinet members supporting fracking.”

“I’m proud that from opposition we have been able to declare a climate emergency in Medway, stop the use of herbicides in Council greenspaces, stop the use of single use plastic and hold Southern Water to account.  Residents attending have been clear it is time for a change in Medway Council and they will be choosing change and voting Labour on May 4th.” 

Cllr Zoe Van Dyke, Medway Labour and Co-operative Group Member for Strood North added: 

“We will be holding a final online climate conversation, accessible to all residents across Medway, on December the 7th. As a Group we will be presenting the information that we’ve gleaned from our dialogue with residents, and how that will shape our priorities ahead of the local elections next May.”

Following the event, Feargal Sharkey tweeted regarding the audience in Rochester saying:

“Huge pleasure to meet you all. Such an informed, passionate and committed crowd. An inspiration. Left with a skip in my step. Keep on going, keep holding Southern Water to account, keep being utterly fantastic, keep being you.”

ENDS

Notes

Footage from the climate conversation will be uploaded to the Medway Labour and Co-operative Group social media channels in due course.