THE sound and fury surrounding the shambolic Brexit process are drowning out a far bigger conversation we should be having- the conversation about climate change.

Last week, parliament debated climate change for the first time in two years. I know Stroud people care passionately about the impact of climate change so I was deeply disappointed that, despite my best efforts, personal circumstances prevented me from being there with my colleagues.

I am more disappointed that climate change has not been subject of greater government focus. The fact that it fell to backbenchers to raise the debate is symptomatic of the disgraceful marginalisation of climate change as an issue. Indeed, there is no longer a Department of Energy Climate Change, which was dissolved in 2016 after Theresa May’s appointment as PM.

Climate change is, quite simply, the most important issue facing us.

Just as the Brexit deadline is being used to force action, we should also take an urgent approach to protecting our planet and our children’s future.

It’s time to re-evaluate our priorities and I would hope that last week’s debate is the start of many.

We need debates with real votes to shape policy.

There must be a government commitment to zero net carbon emissions and the investment in technology and infrastructure to make that happen.

Transforming our economy to tackle climate change has the potential to have a positive impact on jobs and the economy.

I know how much this matters to Stroud constituents and particularly our young people and, with that in mind, I am in the process of organising a young people’s conference here in Stroud, to listen to them and discuss how we can work together on climate change.