A COUNCIL is being urged to support further school strikes against climate change.

Yesterday, The Argus reported that Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said she would “stand in solidarity” with striking pupils “every month until the Government commits to the transformation of our economy we desperately need to secure our futures”.

Now, Brighton and Hove Green Party has sponsored a petition supporting a second climate change march on March 15 and asking Brighton and Hove City Council to do the same.

The petition, which had received more than 500 signatures yesterday, was addressed to the city council.

It stated: “On Friday, February 15, young people from across Brighton and Hove took a bold move to ask for action on climate change and, on March 15, we’re doing it again.

“Climate change is one of the most serious threats that we face. Young people, who will be most affected by this issue, have little political voice, with those under 18 unable to vote, and the number of young people in politics below the floor.

“We believe it is their right to strike to influence change.”

Tens of thousands of students left their schools to join the first march in Brighton demanding more action from the Government on climate change.

This was organised by campaign group Youth Strike 4 Climate.

The petition stated: “The Youth Strike 4 Climate is the most hopeful movement we have and shows young people care and are willing to act which goes against the stereotypical view of young people which has persisted for too long.

“It is time for the council to come out and publicly support the strikes and to not stifle this movement by remaining silent on the issue.

“Brighton and Hove City Council has declared a climate emergency. But now they must commit to supporting young people and students who are demanding we take action on our climate crisis.”

On Tuesday, The City of Edinburgh Council announced it would “allow school pupils to attend the Youth Strike 4 Climate day of protest outside the Scottish Parliament” on March 15.

It said the absence of any pupils attending the march would be recorded as an “authorised absence” from school “as long as a parent or carer has sent prior written permission to their child’s school”.

On social media yesterday, Youth Strike 4 Climate Brighton shared this information and said: “Those in Brighton can ask our council to do the same by signing this petition.”

Brighton and Hove City Council has been contacted for comment.