An online hustings event is being held Monday 25 April at 7pm to give local people the chance to question South Yorkshire Mayoral candidates on how they intend to address the nature and climate emergencies.
After a public vote on 5 May, the newly elected Mayor will be responsible for ensuring that South Yorkshire plays its part in reducing our carbon emissions to net zero. For the first time, the Mayor has specific responsibility for actions to help restore nature and wildlife to South Yorkshire, which can also help reduce flooding and provide more greenspaces for people to enjoy.
The hustings will provide local people with the opportunity to hear from each candidate before putting their own questions forward about the nature and climate emergencies.
The hustings will take place online on Monday 25 April at 7pm. Candidates from all the main parliamentary parties have been invited and the following candidates have confirmed their attendance:
- Oliver Coppard (Labour Party)
- Joe Otten (Liberal Democrats)
- Bex Whyman (Green Party)
Attendees can submit questions in advance on policy issues within the remit of the Mayor. The key areas are: economy and growth, nature recovery, training and skills, infrastructure, and public transport.
Liz Ballard, Chief Executive of Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust said:
“We are currently facing nature and climate emergencies, so establishing how our mayoral candidates plan to tackle these issues is really important for the prosperity of the people and economy of our region.
“The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has recently confirmed that it will be the Responsible Authority for delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for our region, so the decisions and impact our Mayor will have on nature in the coming years is significant.
“If you care about nature, you need to care about who your next Mayor is going to be. So please join our hustings and then vote for people, climate and nature on 5 May”
Vanessa Senger, co-chair of South Yorkshire Climate Alliance said:
‘’South Yorkshire needs a committed Mayor fighting for an efficient and effective public transport system which will make a major contribution to cutting emissions; and implement an ambitious and cost effective system for providing real green jobs, warm and safe homes and good food for residents. Come and hear what actions the candidates will take in these crucial areas’’.
Places can be booked at the online Hustings by visiting bit.ly/husting2022. Following booking, a confirmation email will provide details of how to submit a question to the candidates. The event can be followed on social media using #ClimateNatureSY.
Main image: Sheffield Skyline. © James Hargreaves / The Sheffield Guide.