Peterborough environmentalist hopeful of "positive change" after King's speech
The King confirmed Rishi Sunak's plans to grant new oil and gas licences
Last updated 7th Nov 2023
A Peterborough environmentalist says he's "hopeful of change" after King Charles III delivered his first state opening of Parliament speech since being coronated earlier this year.
Whilst taking on the duty in recent years due to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II's health it was his first as King.
The speech is designed to tell the Government what he wants or expects them to do in the next year. However, in reality It's a speech written by Government which the King is expected to read.
The King - a lifelong environmental campaigner - also confirmed Rishi Sunak's plans to grant new oil and gas licences "helping the country to transition to net zero by 2050 without adding undue burdens on households" in the Offshore Petroleum and Licensing Bill.
An environmentalist expert from Peterborough, Trevor Gibson, is optimistic that the government will do the right thing.
“There is a growing awareness of what’s facing us – we can’t ignore it – and the government won’t ignore it...we are hopeful that positive change will be one of the results of the kings speech.”
“Change is going in the right direction” he said.
Despite no explicit plans to address climate concerns, Mr Gibson said many of the announcements have the potential to “positively contribute to the environment”.
“So much is still needed on so many fronts”, he admitted.
“Recognition of the hard work undertaken would have been nice to see” towards the charities and community groups such as his own, “promoting a more sustainable future.”
“One has to be optimistic”
Mr Gibson said “time will tell if the government is doing enough” but that it's worth “remaining hopeful that the UK will reach its net 0 targets by 2050.”