This is one suggestion from thinking about effective climate campaigning, the post about effective campaigning is yet to be published.

Should climate activists get involved in electoral politics?

We definitely should attempt to get rid of MPs who are enemies to climate action – there are many e.g. Steve Baker, Kwasi Kwarteng and DUP’s Sammy Wilson. Even the threat of such action may prevent MPs taking bribes from the oil industry.

I suggest that we would need to endorse certain candidates and campaign to promote them over others. I would expect climate campaigners to have the level of support to ‘throw’ or ‘flip’ elections. It’s worth bearing in mind that by the general election of 2024 we will have had more climate events since they seem to be happening continuously. If we were to follow this route, it would be wise to avoid actions that frustrate or alienate the public.

This is a suggestion for climate campaigning groups to discuss and decide for themselves. It’s a complex topic – should we campaign against the Conservative party? That’s an easy one but what about the Labour Party? Red Tories who’s leader has called for injunctions against climate protestors. If we’re going to get involved in electoral politics should we campaign for the best possible outcome for the climate and what is that, is it achievable, will it work? “Endorsed by XR”?

28/7/22 Suggestions if you have an MP who opposes climate action.

Let their local party know that you are opposed to them e.g. by writing to them from individuals or your group and telling them, a physical letter may be considered more seriously than an email.

Start an organisation and associated website that opposes them like Steve Baker Watch. later: or Craig Mackinlay Watch. [12/8/22 Robert Courts Watch].

Deliver leaflets, write letters to local papers, participate in radio phone-in discussions documenting their climate-opposing actions.