'We need hope': Jess Phillips backs the Future Generations pledge

Earlier this week we launched The Big Issue Future Generations Pledge and welcomed politicians to throw their support behind it.

The pledge says that those in government will ensure that decisions they make today safeguard the wellbeing of the population further down the line – a commitment to a preventative approach.

Labour’s Jess Phillips, a candidate for Birmingham Yardley, is one of the politicians who has backed the pledge ahead of next month’s general election.

“For too long politicians have been fighting fires rather than facing the future,” she said. “We must plan for the future and make sure that those who will live in that future are guiding progress.

“For too long we have dwelled on the past with both nostalgia and regret. This moves very little forward. We need progress, change and hope – and this pledge can be our first step.”

Big Issue founder Lord John Bird will reintroduce the Future Generations Bill when parliament returns after the election. But in the meantime, we need you to get in touch with the political candidates in your area to ask them to take the pledge.

Jess-Phillips-dropin1

Jess' Big Issue Sell-Off opened her eyes to the challenges of selling The Big Issue magazine

What does the pledge say?

THE BIG ISSUE’S FUTURE GENERATIONS PLEDGE

“If elected as a Member of Parliament on December 12 2019, I pledge to use my voice, and my vote, to:

1. ACT TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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

2. RESPECT THE NEEDS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS

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

3. 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.”

Contact your local candidate and encourage them to back the pledge – and forward any replies to hello@todayfortomorrow.org.uk. If you contact candidates on social media, tag @Today4Tmrrw or the hashtag #todayfortomorrow in your posts and replies.

Share the pledge on social media to show you’re backing the campaign and encourage everyone you know to contact their would-be MPs too. Use the hashtag #todayfortomorrow in any posts you share, and make sure you tag your candidates.