I won’t forget today in a hurry, I got to meet Sir David Attenborough! The select committee I sit on scrutinises business, energy, and some key aspects of climate change. We’ve been looking in detail at government’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Who better to listen to than the person who made the natural world accessible to millions, earned the trust and respect of viewers around the world, and used that trust to mobilise action on species extinction, climate change, and plastic waste along with so much more. My mum and dad gave me a copy of the book ‘Life on Earth’ for my 9th birthday. All these years later having the chance to meet, listen and learn from him was really special for me. Afterwards I went for a coffee with him and I’m very pleased to report that he is every bit as generous, engaging, witty, and insightful as you’d expect. I’m always so grateful that you have given me the privilege to serve our community in parliament. But at times like this when something so personally rewarding and meaningful happens I’m almost overwhelmed with thanks. Vernon Coaker MP and I noticed how many young people were in the public gallery. Vernon pointed it out to Sir David, who turned around and thanked the young people there and pointed out to us MPs that we owed it to them to deliver a sustainable environment to their generation. It’s a responsibility that I, for one, take very seriously indeed. Yours, Peter

Posted by Peter Kyle MP on Tuesday, July 9, 2019