Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall

Local MP, Dan Rogerson, has publicly backed WWF’s Earth Hour 2010 event and is spearheading the campaign for the Houses of Parliament to take part too.

The event, which urges people across the world to switch off their lights off for one hour at 8.30pm on Saturday 27 March, aims to be a graphic demonstration to decision makers that they support urgent action on climate change.

Last year over 800 iconic landmarks around the world switched off their lights for one hour and transformed the global skyline in a dramatic call for action.

However after Dan tabled a Parliamentary Question to Commons authorities it was revealed that Parliament would not be taking part this year. He has since tabled a motion in the House of Commons, which has attracted cross-party support, calling on parliamentary management to switch off external floodlights and “non-essential internal lighting” on 27th March.

He has also written to Conservative-led Cornwall Council to ask why they have not signed up.

Commenting, Dan said:

“It’s nothing short of scandal that House of Commons should be one of the only public institutions not to take part in Earth Hour. Thousands of people all across country will be showing willing by turning their lights off for this one hour to demonstrate how seriously we all take climate change.

“Yet once again Parliament is showing itself to be behind the times and out of touch with people’s concerns. What possible harm could there be in turning out the parliamentary floodlights, and Big Ben’s illuminated clock face, for just an hour on the 27th March?

“I hope that my parliamentary colleagues will join me in calling on the House authorities to show their support for this important global event.

“With so many individuals, organisations and businesses across Cornwall also pledging to take part it is a real shame that Conservative-led Cornwall Council have not pledged to do their bit too.”

Notes:

1. More information on WWF’s Earth Hour can be found on the WWF’s website, http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk

1. Dan’s Parliamentary question to the House of Commons Commission can be found online here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm100301/text/100301w0001.htm#10030122000117

1. The full text of Dan’s Early Day Motion can be found here: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=40673&SESSION=903