Our group started when two of us started emailing Philip Hollobone about our climate concerns. After several exchanges, he agreed to meet with us. At the meeting, he explained that Rishi Sunak’s watering down of the UK's net zero policies was in the best interest of the UK and that the impact of climate change would be minimal in the UK. Moreover, the UK was leading the world in net zero transition while China’s carbon emissions are 30%, compared to the UK’s 1%. The Rosebank oil and gas field would mitigate the UK’s fuel insecurity. We were pleased he listened to our concerns and invited him to a public meeting which he generously (and surprisingly) agreed to.

However, the rosy picture painted by Mr Hollobone was at odds with everything we had heard and read. For example, the government-appointed Climate Change Committee (CCC) stated concerns about the government’s lack of urgency, wavering on net zero commitments, lack of a clear leadership role internationally, and decreasing confidence in the UK’s ability to meet targets. The effects of climate change on the UK will be dramatic, with risks of health impacts, flooding, disruption to farming, storms that damage buildings and disrupt transport, and pressure on immigration due to the displacement of people in worse-affected countries. China is the world’s biggest total emitter of carbon, but per capita figures look very different. The fuel extracted at Rosebank will be sold on the global market and won’t help reduce bills in the UK.

Enraged at being fobbed off with platitudes, we contacted MP Watch, who inspired us and supported our sell-out public meeting, How Can Kettering’s MP Help to Save the Planet?’. Around 100 locals heard from speakers from the main political parties and questions from the audience. Mr Hollobone repeated and expanded on his views which led to some heckling! This demonstration of participatory democracy inspired us to launch Kettering MP Watch with our first meeting of 27 people in February. We are currently planning our activities - watch this space and join us if you can.