Read the press release here: https://xrchelmsford.org/extinction-rebellion-chelmsford-meets-vicky-ford

Four rebels went to the Houses of Parliament today as an attempt from XR to reach MPs on their home turf. Chelmsford MP Vicky Ford said she would be present.

We had a brief meeting in an (elaborate) corridor with her team. She presented us with the Clean Growth report and talked briefly about the government’s position on the net 2050 bill. It was too short a time to get into anything of substance. She then left to join Brexit discussions.

Sarah, Ellie, Peter and Sophia listened to IPCC co-author, Dr Joeri Rogeli, deliver the science, “the more we learn, the worse it looks.”

40 MPs [updated 10/9] turned up in some capacity, it was fantastic to hear that Hitchen and Harpenden’s Conservative MP Bim Afolami is hosting a climate change conference in his constituency – we’d love to see Vicky do something similar here!

The red brigade were ceremoniously escorted out by the police.

Overall sentiments from rebels on the train back home

“I feel disappointed, continually disappointed by politicians.”

“It was worthwhile but I don’t think we really got through to Vicky.”

“It was a bit of a whirlwind – but I guess it’s positive that she showed up at all.”

PS – The food was all vegan – and delicious!

What next?

We encourage folks who are Vicky’s constituents to reach out to her with your views. Her actions do not match the urgency of the climate and ecological crisis.

Her email is: vicky.ford.mp@parliament.uk

You can also book to have a surgery with her: https://www.vickyford.uk/contact

For more context: https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-emissions-committee-climate-change-dads-army-uk-failing-a8997526.html