Refusal to promote veganism in Peterborough ‘shocking’ - LETTER

The reason behind this is that veganism – either full or partial – promotes a healthy lifestyle in a time of rising obesity levels, and is also as a very good and easy way of reducing our carbon footprint.

Peterborough City Council signed up to the climate emergency last year and is now committed to doing everything it can to help people to think about reducing their carbon footprint in a variety of ways e.g. using cars less, using electric cars, recycling more etc as well as thinking strategically as a council to ensure decisions made have a minimal impact on the environment.

We do after all proclaim Peterborough as The Environment Capital of the UK.

As a councillor in Orton Longueville I am keen to promote these ideals which is why this motion was put forward – putting more vegan choices in public places is an easy and non-costly way for the council to show its commitment.

Unfortunately, at full council, all the Tory councillors and three Werrington First councillors voted against this motion and as so much time had been taken up on the budget, the motion could not even be debated.

I find it astonishing and shocking that the current administration of our council would take this stance and vote against a motion which promotes health and wellbeing, the protection of the environment and the planet and against what they have signed up to do.

The Lib Dems and Green party voted with this motion and it is being shown time after time that change is needed in the running of our council.

Cllr Heather Skibsted

Orton Longueville Ward