What the MPs thought
We’re so proud of the enthusiasm every one of our Think Tankers showed when they presented our Green Manifesto to the MPs in Parliament. Their passion truly reflected the overwhelming support we had from schoolchildren right across the UK.
First stop, the Department of Energy and Climate Change
Our Think Tankers spent the morning at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) presenting the Green Manifesto to Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
Ed Miliband said: "The decisions we make today on climate change will have consequences that shape the world children grow up in. So it is really important that we listen to their views. The children that are part of Generation Green have come up with some really powerful and practical ideas in their Green Manifesto. I hope they don't mind if I borrow some of their proposals!"
An afternoon in the Houses of Parliament
Generation Green and the Think Tankers had their own room in Parliament, hosted by Shadow Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker MP. The children gave the Green Manifesto maximum exposure amongst the country’s MPs.
Greg Barker said: “I am really impressed by the Generation Green Think Tank’s grasp of the importance of climate change and I am inspired by their enthusiasm for action. Their Manifesto is a reminder that our kids’ future will be shaped by us, and that we must all do our bit to protect that future. I’ve long argued that a root to branch approach focusing on green education is vital to safeguard the environment for future generations, and am pleased to see that they agree!”
A few words from the country’s eco-experts
Julia Hailes MBE, author of New Green Consumer Guide and one of our eco-experts, commented: “I'm delighted that the children were able to speak out on green issues. They were clearly passionate about making a difference and I think they've come up with some great ideas that could be an election hit too – we certainly hope so.”
Gearóid Lane, British Gas’s Director of Communities and New Energy, said: “I’ve been bowled over by the energy and enthusiasm that the Think Tank have shown over the last year. We wanted to give the tomorrow’s leaders a chance to put their ideas to today’s leaders, and British Gas is excited to be working with the Government to make one of those ideas a reality already.
Spreading the word
Our Think Tankers didn’t stop there either. Many of the children were interviewed for local TV, and Joe Murphy took it one step further by being covered by Blue Peter on the lead up to, and during his day at Parliament.
Our Green Manifesto resources
Download our Green Manifesto booklet
Download our Pledge booklet