A member of Glastonbury Extinction Rebellion and Friends of the Earth has criticised the local MP for not backing the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.

Laura Sorensen wrote to MP James Heappey asking him to back the bill put forward by Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, but he has responded, declining to back the bill saying it is not required as work is already underway to get the UK to zero emissions.

The Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill is a Private Members' Bill and it has been backed by 73 MPs so far. It is hoped to push forward plans to get the UK to net zero emission by 2030 rather than the date of 2050 that the government is currently working towards.

It calls for the UK to make and enact a serious plan, dealing with our real fair share of emissions so that we don't go over critical global rises in temperature; our entire carbon footprint be taken into account (in the UK and overseas); the protection and conservation of nature here and overseas along supply chains, recognising the damage we cause through the goods we consume; those in power not to depend on technology to save the day, which is used as an excuse to carry on polluting as usual; and ordinary people to have a real say on the way forward in a citizens' assembly with bite.

Laura told Glastonbury Nub News: "James Heappey says he feels trying to achieve zero emissions by 2030 is impossible, will be hugely disruptive and risks undermining consensus.

"Here speaks a man who clearly does not realise, or is in denial, that the risk posed by global heating is going to be a tad more than disruptive.

"If we fail to reduce emissions the consequences will be the death of millions of people, plantlife and wildlife around the globe.

"He believes that conventional policy making is better than citizens' assemblies in spite of the last one held in the UK revealing some astounding consensus on many issues and the public showing that they are way ahead of politicians in acknowledging the issues and how to deal with them.

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"Conventional policy making has got us to the cliff edge of despair and destruction - that much is clear."

In his reply, Mr Heappey said: "Tackling climate change is a priority for me and my Ministerial colleagues.

"I am proud that the UK was the first G7 country to legislate to achieve zero net emissions by 2050.

"While I understand that you want this target to be achieved sooner, and I share this desire, getting to net zero by 2050 is feasible and consistent with avoiding most damaging climate change.

"While I welcome the increased awareness and debate this bill brings, I do not believe that it is required as work is already underway."