A group of climate campaigners has called on their MP to back urgent action on energy reform.
Members of Hanover Action wrote to MP Sian Berry on August 16, urging her to support a rapid shift to renewable energy, an immediate halt to new fossil fuel projects and stronger legislation to deliver true energy independence.
The call for action follows recent extreme heat in the UK and the announcement of an Energy Independence Bill, which campaigners say is a critical opportunity to end new fossil fuel extraction and fully embrace renewables.
Sarah Gorton, co-founder of Hanover Action, said: "Families across Brighton are struggling with their energy bills. We need energy independence so we can avoid these spikes. Renewables are cheaper and cleaner.
"The new extreme heat records in June showed the climate crisis is here and we can’t afford to make a bad situation even worse by failing to move away from dirty fossil fuels fast enough.
"It's time we embrace renewables with the determination this moment requires."
The letter, signed by concerned constituents, calls for an immediate stop to new oil and gas extraction, including the Rosebank project.
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It also urges the government to honour and legislate its manifesto commitment to end new oil and gas licences, and to accelerate the transition to renewables as a matter of national security, economic stability and climate responsibility.
Campaigners argue that communities like Brighton are facing a "double crisis"—economic vulnerability from dependence on volatile global fossil fuel markets and the escalating impacts of the climate emergency.
The letter states: "Recent events in the Middle East have demonstrated the devastating economic consequences of our reliance on global fossil fuel markets.
"You only need to speak to the Phoenix and Pankhurst affordable food projects to understand the difficulties families across Brighton are facing.
"The Energy Independence Bill could offer a pathway out of this vulnerability for our communities."
Ian Macintyre, another member of Hanover Action, said: "We're sending a clear message that our community stands united in demanding action.
"This is about protecting our community against further energy shocks, avoiding the cost of inaction while keeping our climate stable."
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