Politicians from the Green, Labour and Conservative parties have all signed an open letter penned by Veganuary, urging the public to go plant-based.
Veganuary has written an open letter to the public which “sets out the very clear connection between climate change, global pandemics and our consumption of animal products”.
The letter has so far acquired over 100 signatories, including politicians from three UK political parties. These MPs include Caroline Lucas (Green), Kerry McCarthy (Labour), Christina Rees (Labour) and Henry Smith (Conservative).
Support for Veganuary from UK politicians is extremely significant and hopefully indicates a real change emanating from those in positions of power. With several politicians on side, it becomes more likely that laws can be pushed through parliament which help rather than hinder the planet.
Veganuary’s open letter has also been signed by a number of celebrities, business leaders, athletes and NGOs. Supporters include Ricky Gervais, Paul McCartney, Deborah Meaden, Chris Packham, Jane Goodall and Greenpeace UK.
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Climate change, pandemics and animal farming
The letter firstly highlights the link between climate change and animal farming, noting that we ‘cannot tackle climate change while we farm and eat animals on an industrial scale.’
Secondly, the letter calls attention to the risks associated with farming animals concerning the next global pandemic. Experts are warning us that factory farms are quite simply breeding grounds for pandemics, and action must be taken.
But the letter ends on a positive note, reading: “Catastrophic climate breakdown and global pandemics could not be more serious, but they are not inevitable. If we act now, the future can be better.”
‘Hope for a better future’
Veganuary claims their open letter ‘offers hope for a better future’ and urges the public ‘to go into 2021 with positivity and a determination to do all we can to protect our planet, its wild spaces and the health and wellbeing of all its inhabitants.’
Toni Vernelli, Veganuary’s Head of Communications added: “2020 has brought much hardship and heartbreak, but it has also given us an opportunity to change and build a better future. Our united message is one of hope – but we must all act now.”
Over 250,000 people have already signed up to Veganuary this year, which is halfway to their target of half a million. Let’s do this!
Want to try going vegan but unsure of what it entails?
Read our article explaining the difference between vegan and vegetarian diets.
