Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Lights out for Earth Hour!

March 27, 2009 11:00 AM

Simon turning the lights offSimon Hughes is delighted to report that the Houses of Parliament authorities have agreed to his request to participate in WWF Earth Hour on 28 March. The House authorities have announced that all non-essential lighting will be switched off for one hour on Saturday night.

On 28 March at 8.30pm (GMT) individuals, communities, businesses are being asked to turn off their lights for one hour in support of taking action against climate change. The campaign is hoping that over a billion people will sign up. WWF is encouraging Southwark Council to join the big switch off by dimming and switching off lights of civic buildings and iconic landmarks. Restaurants and bars are asked to get involved by holding candlelit dinners on the night and members of the public can also hold their own events such as lights out parties. People can sign up to support WWF's Earth Hour by visiting wwf.org.uk/earthhour or by texting Earth to 84880.

Mr Hughes wrote to the Speaker of the House of Commons requesting that the Palace of Westminster participates in the global act. In his letter, Mr Hughes said, "I believe that this single act will make a very important statement that through small individual and collective actions we can make a difference to help protect our environment."

Many iconic landmarks from around the world will switch off their lights. This includes the Forth Bridge, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Table Mountain in Cape Town and Sydney Opera House.

The Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly have both announced their participation.

Commenting Simon Hughes said: ""I am very supportive of the WWF Earth Hour campaign. In this vital year for our economy and our environment, we all need to be part of the solution to the difficulties we face. I believe that this single act - switching off our lights for one hour - will make a very important statement that through small individual and collective actions we can make a difference to help protect our environment. I hope you will join me and a billion other people around the world on 28th March.

Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF UK, said: "We are delighted that Simon Hughes is backing WWF's Earth Hour. Negotiations for a global deal to tackle climate change are going on right now and it is essential that politicians demand the UK Government takes a strong leadership position.

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    simonhughes.org.uk/en/article/2009/118968/lights-out-for-earth-hour
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    sh.lib.dm/a857P

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Bermondsey and Old Southwark constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you agree, Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image