Climate Leadership Programme for politicians

Green Alliance has run its Climate Leadership Programme for MPs since 2009. This has seen us work with over 50 MPs from across the three main parties to develop their understanding of climate change and what it means for their role, both in their constituency and at national level; and to help them lead a proactive and ambitious climate change agenda in Parliament.

The programme aims to:
• Allow politicians to strengthen their understanding of the science, policy and politics of climate change;
• Help each party to develop a committed new cohort of MPs who will lead the way;
• Enable politicians to develop strong networks with thought leaders, practitioners and influential institutions who can help them make a real difference on this crucial agenda.

Following the pilot phase with prospective parliamentary candidates before the May 2010 election, the programme has since had a number of elements:
• Short intensive workshop sessions for small groups of new MPs from each party, on the science, policy and politics of climate change;
• Formal events such as cross-party private dinners with expert speakers;
• A briefing paper on the science of climate change, produced jointly with the Grantham Institute;
• In depth working with small groups of MPs on two key policy areas that link MPs’ national and constituency work – the Green Deal and localism;
• Tailored support and informal advice on request.

‘Constituency voices’ is the next iteration of the programme, starting in January 2013. Over two years, we will work with up to 12 MPs in small cross-party groups, and immerse them in an experience-based learning process at the constituency level, to deepen their engagement with low carbon initiatives and policy. By working in-depth on specific issues we can help these MPs become strong advocates of ambitious climate action at the constituency and national level. In the first few months of 2013 we will work with MPs in our existing leadership group to decide which issue areas to focus on based on their interests.

We would like to thank the Pure Climate Foundation and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for supporting this phase of the programme.

We would also like to thank the Pure Climate Foundation for their support in 2011/12, and the Tellus Mater Foundation for their support in 2009-2011.

Contacts and related links

For more information contact:

Hannah Kyrke-Smith
policy adviser
020 7630 4520
hkyrke-smith@green-alliance.org.uk

Climate Leadership Programme, In depth work with MPs on key policy areas, Autumn 2011 to Spring 2012
Climate Leadership Programme leadership sessions, formal events and briefings for new MPs, November 2010 to March 2012
Climate Leadership Programme pilot phase, November 2009 to March 2010

Political Leadership Theme