“Indeed at times like this it is only human to ask: what could we have done differently to have prevented this from happening? How can we stop something like this from every happening again? Our common interests, our connectivity to each other and our passion are all burning bright in an otherwise dark moment. Acting today for tomorrow is as relevant now as it will ever be.”
If passed into law, the bill would require the creation of a UK-wide Future Generations Commissioner to scrutinise decisions and policies to ensure that their future impact on our children and the generations that follow are taken into consideration. It is inspired by the existing Welsh act. In addition, the legislation will require a joint-parliamentary committee to be set up on future generations.
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Lucas, who had a letter published in today’s Guardian newspaper on the subject, drew attention to The Big Issue’s Today for Tomorrow campaign that is running alongside the bill in her ten-minute speech.
MPs gave the motion their approval and a date for the second reading of the bill has been provisionally set for September 11. But Lucas has eyes on more immediate matters to demonstrate how the bill can help tackle the short-termism so often in evidence in Westminster.
“It is essential to deal with the coronavirus as it is a global emergency,” said Lucas. “But it is clear that we must work harder to predict and prepare for the existential risks we face. Not only from the threat of pandemics but from the climate crisis too. That is the nub of the Today for Tomorrow campaign.”
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
She added: “When we are rebuilding on the other side of this pandemic we can choose to do so with greater consideration for future generations with stronger passion for every person and their wellbeing.”
Lucas may be sponsoring the bill through the Commons but backing has already been secured support from across the House with Conservatives Simon Fell, Bob Blackman and Kevin Hollinrake acting as co-sponsors.
Fell said: “The government has a simple duty to protect people – whether from the catastrophic effects of climate change, or from falling into the poverty trap. Politicians must focus on long-term solutions that will ensure that we leave this country, and planet, better for future generations.”
Crabb added: “A really important initiative from the Big Issue to get us to focus on the long term issues facing our country. Lots of work to be done in the new Parliament to make this pledge count.”
From Labour, Bambos Charalambous, Anna McMorrin and Abena Oppong-Asare are also supporting as is Labour and Co-operative Party’s Alex Sobel.
Elsewhere, Lib Dem Wera Hobhouse, Claire Hanna of the Social Democratic and Labour Party and Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts are acting as co-sponsors alongside Dr Philippa Whitford.
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
