Lord Bird’s Private Members Bill that looks to protect the interests of young people reaches final stage in House of Lords

The Bill is backed by Simon Fell MP (Con), Alex Sobel MP (Lab), Dr Philippa Whitford MP (SNP), Caroline Lucas MP (Green), Wera Hobhouse MP (LD), and Anna McMorrin MP (Lab), amongst others

Today (Friday, 4^th February), Lord Bird, Founder of The Big Issue, marked the Third Reading of his Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill in the House of Lords.

The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill, if passed into law, would assist the Government in preventing problems, including the climate crisis, poverty and pandemics from happening, and not just deal in emergencies. It would also deliver a new, sustainable vision for the nation, as we seek to recover from the Covid crisis, that prioritises our environmental, social, economic and cultural wellbeing.

The Private Members Bill has garnered wide cross-party support and will be backed in the House of Commons by Simon Fell, Conservative Party MP for Barrow in Furness, Alex Sobel, Labour Party MP for Leeds North West, Wera Hobhouse Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, Anna McMorrin, Labour Party MP for Cardiff North, and Dr Philippa Whitford, Scottish National Party MP for Central Ayrshire, amongst many others.

Lord John Bird, Founder of The Big Issue, said: “It’s a momentous day for our younger and future generations and I am pleased and proud that the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill has reached its Third Reading. To get to this stage is no small feat, and goes to show the breadth of support this legislation has.

“The reach of the Bill is already being felt, with the Government’s recent Levelling Up White Paper placing the wellbeing of young people and future generations at the heart of its agenda.

“The pandemic has made it clear how important it is that we embed long-term thinking into UK policy making. Which is why the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill, if made into law, would put an end to short-term policies, which only serve to bite us back later.  

“Put simply, this Bill would ensure we are always investing in the fence at the top of the cliff rather than the ambulance at the bottom.”

Simon Fell, Conservative MP for Barrow in Furness, said: “A Wellbeing for Future Generations Act would ensure that decisions made today account for future need, and tackle problems such as health, education and opportunity inequalities for the long-term. Vitally, it would lead to better outcomes for young people and future generations across Barrow & Furness.

“It is clearer than ever that putting long-termism at the heart of UK politics is essential, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because our constituents are demanding that we do so across a wide range of issues. That is why the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill has my full backing, and I look forward to supporting through the House of Commons.”

Dr Philippa Whitford, SNP MP for Central Ayrshire, said: “Whenever we discuss ‘health’ there is a tendency to focus on NHS services, despite these being predominantly about treating illness. 

“Good health and wellbeing is largely dependent on other aspects of our lives such as children getting a decent start in life, everyone having a warm dry home, enough to eat, access to education and opportunity and a stable planet to live on!

“That is why I am delighted to support the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill which is currently making its way to the Commons. This Bill has whole-system thinking at its heart, with the aim to take a ‘Health in ALL Policies’ approach to deliver better physical, mental, social, economic and environmental wellbeing for everyone.”

Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “Short-termism is a curse of our political and financial decision-making.  We need to start putting the long-term interests of our country, our economy and the environment ahead of instant profit or political gain.

“It’s completely wrong that future generations are left to deal with the fallout of action or inaction by today’s political leaders when they have no say in these decisions. The Future Generations Bill gives them a say and puts their welfare at the heart of today’s decision-making.  I’m looking forward to helping to champion the Bill when it reaches the House of Commons.”

Wera Hobhouse, Lib Dem MP for Bath, said: “Shifting focus to long-term planning in policy making is important if we are to tackle the big issues of today. It’s vital that we look ahead and shape our decisions and actions accordingly. This Bill is the first step in shifting thinking and protecting the future of young people across the country.

“From the climate crisis to the pandemic, poverty, the housing crisis, and the cost of living crisis, these are all issues that the Government is reacting to. This Bill opens the door to a more proactive approach that will prevent issues happening in the first place. I am proud to support this bill and the new approach that it proposes!” 

To find out more about the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill, its supporters and how you can support the Bill, please visit: https://todayfortomorrow.org.uk/