Newspaper column 18 November 2021 - Remembrance and COP26

This past week culminated in Remembrance Sunday, where as a nation we collectively commemorate all those veterans, past and present, who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country, as well as saying a big thank you to all currently serving or have served in the armed forces.

Due to the unusual circumstances of the pandemic, last year there were no formal services of remembrance and so this year was the first time I have been involved in them locally as a Member of Parliament.

In London I was honoured to place a tribute for James 'Little' Finn and all the fallen of Truro and Falmouth in the House of Commons Constituency Garden of Remembrance. James ‘Little’ Finn VC was born at St Clement and was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, for conspicuous bravery rescuing comrades under fire during World War 1, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was later killed in action in that same conflict.

On Remembrance Sunday I took part in Civic Services and Acts of Remembrance at Falmouth and in Truro. After the sad but necessary lack of formal events last year, it was good to see our communities turning out in such numbers to support their veterans and remember the past sacrifices. The parades were organised incredibly well and I would like to take the opportunity to thank both Falmouth Town Council and Truro City Council, as well as the Royal British Legion, veterans and all organisations involved for making them so memorable.

Last week also saw the climax of the United Nations COP26 climate conference, which the UK was hosting from Glasgow. Over the weekend we saw the Glasgow Climate Pact signed, which is the most significant climate change pact since the landmark Paris Agreement and first-ever climate deal to explicitly plan to reduce coal consumption, the worst fossil fuel for greenhouse gases.

Alongside the Glasgow Climate Pact, other major commitments from the COP26 summit include a commitment from many more nations to supercharge their race to zero emissions for 2030 by next year, the commitment to double funding for developing nations to adapt to climate change by 2025, as well as boosting up the agenda, plans about how to pay for the loss and damage that climate change inflicts on developing countries. The conference also saw delegates agree rules on carbon offset markets, which the last two COPs tried and failed to finalise, as well as the agreement of more than 130 countries, including Brazil, to protect up to 90 per cent of our forests.

This is a colossal achievement that many did not possible. While it is not perfect, and it is disappointing that we could not get approval for coal to be ‘phased out’ instead of ‘phased down’ in the wording of the pact, the pact and other outcomes from COP26 are still a major step in the right direction in the fight against climate change, and it is tribute to the hosting of the UK and the  leadership shown by our government that we made it such a success.

As ever, if you need my assistance with anything then my team and I are here to help. Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698. I have now restarted my regular constituency advice surgeries, held in a covid-safe environment at my office, so please do get in touch should you wish to meet me about any matters that I can be of assistance with.