Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s message ahead of the general election may not be deviating much from the NHS and Brexit – but he has given The Big Issue’s Future Generations Pledge his support.

The Conservative Leader is one of five members of his party who have signed the pledge so far – alongside two Scottish Conservatives – putting him among 350 candidates from across the UK who have backed our campaign.

I strongly support the work and rationale of the Big Issue and agree that we need to act today for tomorrow – for the sake of our children and our grandchildren and all the generations to come. @BigIssue #leavetheworldinabetterplace pic.twitter.com/7wMrq2lant

— Nick Stovold (@nick_stovold) December 2, 2019

We asked the Prime Minister to take the following pledge:

THE BIG ISSUE’S FUTURE GENERATIONS PLEDGE

ACT TODAY FOR TOMORROW

Working to prevent problems, including the climate crisis and poverty, from happening instead of dealing in short-term political emergencies.

RESPECT THE NEEDS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS

Taking their needs into account in new policies, budgets and laws, giving them a seat at the table.

BACK THE FUTURE GENERATIONS BILL

Delivering a new, sustainable vision for the nation that prioritises the environmental, social, economic and cultural wellbeing of current and future generations.

Was a privilege to be contacted by @johnbirdswords on day I announced my @scottories candidacy for #GlasgowNorthEast. John afforded me some time to read his #FutureGenerations Bill. I 100% support the spirit of the Bill & pledge in my #local commitments to act #todayfortomorrow pic.twitter.com/TpUorZyCQp

— Lauren Bennie for Glasgow North East (@Thegirlwho) December 4, 2019

The Conservative manifesto may be light on the wellbeing aims of the pledge, although it does include a promise to ensure the UK reaches carbon net zero by 2050 through investment in clean energy and green infrastructure.

Johnson told us: “I applaud The Big Issue for raising these critical issues, which are about the future of our children and grandchildren.

“A Conservative majority government led by me will be dedicated to tackling the climate emergency, reaching Net Zero by 2050 with investment in clean energy and green infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions.

“We’ll give people a route out of poverty by putting in place the right education and work opportunities, creating more jobs and levelling up skills across the country.

“We’ll give the next generation the chance to make a better life for themselves, investing in housing, infrastructure and local communities in every part of the United Kingdom.

“None of these issues will be fixed if we have another hung parliament and more paralysis in Westminster over Brexit. If there’s a Conservative majority government, we’ll get Brexit done by the end of January, so we can move on and dedicate our energies to these vital tasks.”