Cllr George Fielding and Cllr Charlotte Gerada submitted a motion to the Portsmouth City Council Full Meeting taking place on Wednesday 13 October, to challenge the Liberal Democrat administration to undertake more measures to enhance biodiversity.

The motion calls for a review and update policies and practices on urban biodiversity that might harm or undermine local ecosystems. The motion passed with a slight amendment about which part of the council will take a lead on reviewing the council’s approach.

It will now be the focus of the Scrutiny Management Panel and the Transport, Environment and Community Safety Scrutiny Committee. This will allow for more cross-party working and the ability to seek views from residents, interested community groups and all councillors.

Cllr George Fielding, Leader of the Labour Group and proposer of the motion, said:

“The widespread support for our motion today shows the strength of feeling and commitment to doing all we can to support local ecosystems and urban biodiversity. While we know the council is doing some great work, there is more that can be done. We look forward to working with local residents, environmental organisations and councillors to take even more urgent action.”

Cllr Charlotte Gerada, a Labour councillor and seconder of the motion, said:

“Thank you so much to the 200+ residents, businesses and environmental groups that signed our open letter, calling on the council to review and update policies and practices that harm local ecosystems and encourage more positive and proactive rewilding. I’m proud that we today we’ve pushed for bolder action on the climate and ecological emergency.”