Man ends 37-day hunger strike outside parliament after MPs agree to climate change briefing

A hunger striker has claimed victory after MPs agreed to have Sir Patrick Vallance brief MPs on climate change.

Angus Rose stopped his hunger strike on Tuesday night after 37 days, having received a letter from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Climate Change.

Boris Johnson spoke of a ‘road to Damascus’ moment after being briefed on climate change soon after becoming prime minister, and Rose was on strike demanding a similar briefing to be given to all MPs. His speaker of choice was chief scientific officer Vallance – often Johnson’s sidekick at Downing Street Covid briefings.

He said the taste of peanut butter, his first food since March, was “indescribable”.

Rose said: “This is a small but vital step in helping to ensure that our nephews, nieces, children and grandchildren have a better chance at a liveable future.

“With improved understanding, our decision makers will be more likely to adopt policies and take actions that are in line with the science.”

The group told Rose a briefing, hosted by Vallance, would likely take place between May and June, and be recorded and sent to all MPs.

Rose lost nearly 17kg during his strike, sitting by the entrance to parliament, often under an umbrella.

He said: “My hope is that if MPs understand the science, they will act with the required urgency.” 

Speaking to The Big Issue on the ninth day of his strike, Rose said: “I am prepared to die.”

He has been admitted to hospital as a precaution after ending his strike.