Voting for the climate and nature in Melksham and Devizes
Find out about Melksham and Devizes voting predictions and where general election candidates stand on climate and nature issues here. We aim to give factual and impartial information.You can also find events to meet your candidates here.
Where do candidates stand on climate and nature issues?
Who has the greenest party policies?
Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace analysed the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green party manifestos and current policies to see where they stand on climate, nature and the environment. The Green Party scored highest with 39 out of a maximum 40 points, followed by the Liberal Democrats (31.5) then Labour (20.5 points). The Conservatives had the lowest score with just 5 points.
How did candidates vote on climate issues in parliament?
Analysis of parliamentary votes by Vote Climate found that Michelle Donelan (Conservative) had the opportunity to vote in favour of climate action on 19 occassions, they voted against climate action 18 times, and didn't vote once. Other candidates weren't assessed as they haven't previously been an MP.
Who has backed the Climate and Nature Bill?
Brian Mathew (Lib Dem) and Catherine Read (Green Party) and Kerry Postlewhite (Labour) have pledged their support, other Melksham and Devizes candidates have not declared their support so far.
​
This bill is one way candidates can show their support for climate and nature issues. The bill proposes new UK legislation addressing the full extent of the climate and nature crisis based on the most up-to-date science. 25% of candidates have already backed the bill in the UK.
​
Who has a realistic chance of winning?
According to Electoral Calculus the two parties with the highest chance of winning this seat are Liberal Democrat and Conservative - estimated votes are shown in the chart (last updated 28-June). There is large uncertainty illustrated by the grey bars, and the result relies on people actually voting when many may not.
​
We show this chart because it is important information to consider under our current First Past The Post voting system.
Find out more about Melksham and Devizes candidates
We've delved a bit deeper and shared some links below to show where the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green Party candidates stand on climate and nature issues.
Due to limited resources only parties with MPs in the last parliament are shown,
consistent with Electoral Commission guidelines for non-selective hustings. Others are listed above.
WCA is non-party-political. We just show information we found - do not rely on this but do your own research.
A good plce to start is whocanivotefor.co.uk , where candidates can also upload their environmental credentials.
Michelle Donelan
Conservative Party
Does this candidate include climate and nature issues in their priorities on their website or social media?
No, climate and nature issues are not covered in any of the six priorities included in their 'my plan' web page.
​
Useful links showing their views on climate and nature issues
'Stop Lime Down Solar' page on their website*
News story on their website about encouraging wildflowers on roadside verges
​
* The case for Lime Down Solar to address climate change prepared by Wiltshire Climate Alliance can be read here.
Brian Mathew
Liberal Democrats
Does this candidate include climate and nature issues in their list of priorities online?
Yes, 'fixing our planet and cutting the cost of living' is included as one of three points made about them on the Lib Dem page about them here. Reference is also made to their role bringing together an 'unlikely coalition to win the Climate and Emergency Motion. This committed Wiltshire to strive for Carbon Neutrality by 2030'
​
Useful links showing their views on climate and nature issues
Kerry Postlewhite
Labour Party
Catherine Read
Green Party
Does this candidate include climate and nature issues in their priorities on their website or social media?
Yes, her web page says 'My top priorities are to support affordable, warm and safe homes, to strengthen public services, and to protect our unique rural environment.'
​
Useful links showing their views on climate and nature issues