I love Norfolk; I was born in Burnham Market and have lived all over the county, from Thetford to Great Yarmouth.

Full statement

After a decades long career as a graphic designer in London I was delighted to return to my home county. Happisburgh has now been my home for nearly 24 years, a place where the consequences of climate change are all too immediate and personal. Erosion is wreaking havoc on Norfolk’s coastal communities, with disrupted rainfall patterns, sea-level rise, and winter storm surges all accelerating an already familiar process. My love for Norfolk, therefore, very much extends to a love for our planet.

Other communities around the globe similarly threatened have found natural solutions to halt or slow the disappearance of their villages into the sea. Sandscaping, a Dutch technique wherein sand is pumped to widen and lengthen beaches, thereby increasing land mass to protect against storm surges, has been trialled at Bacton. I would love to see this happen elsewhere in Norfolk, not only protecting our critical infrastructure, but our equally important, truly unique, and irreplaceable communities.

Everyone in the constituency lives within a mile or two of a farm. What happens on them affects us all. Conventional farming has been heavily criticised, causing biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and increased water pollution, all through rampant usage of synthetic fertilisers and agrochemicals. Some impressive local examples of farmers working with nature to prevent, mitigate, and reverse these impacts do exist, improving soil health and water quality, as well as increasing pollinator numbers. I would love to see all farmers recognise these benefits, committing themselves to ecological, nature-friendly, regenerative and organic methods.

Decent public transport has a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and thereby averting the climate crisis. It’s bad luck, then, that it is woefully inadequate, or often next to non-existent, in North Norfolk. Reducing emissions means leaving your car at home, or removing the need for one altogether. For this, access to reliable, frequent, and affordable bus and train services is crucial. Lack of public transport also makes it near-impossible for those who don’t have, can’t afford, or cannot drive, a car to get to work or access public services. Walking or cycling to see the GP simply isn’t an option for North Norfolk’s largely elderly, and rural, population.

Warm homes are another issue dear to me. We have wasted years of potential progress in insulating homes and demanding new-builds meet higher standards. Heat pumps and external wall insulation, if fitted five years ago, would now have saved householders hundreds of pounds off bills every year, and moving us towards being self sufficient in energy production. It is clearer than ever that sound climate policy is sound economic policy.

Urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis locally, nationally, and internationally. All organisations need a Green or two in the room, not just for environmental justice, but for social justice. I would be honoured to represent our beautiful constituency of North Norfolk, ensuring that very beauty remains for years to come.