FOLLOWING the screening of NEB, National Emergency Briefing, on June 10 at the Methodist Church in Crediton, which you were unable to attend, we would like to invite you to come along to a future showing later this year at a date that suits your parliamentary and constituency commitments.

NEB is a new 50 minute documentary which looks at the growing impacts of climate change in the UK.

It encourages a nationally televised emergency briefing like the public briefings seen during Covid, to inform people about climate risks and preparedness.

The film was attended by around 80 people and prompted discussion about farming, the challenges facing rural communities such as ours and even mental health particularly in the younger members of our community, who will rather unfairly, be at the receiving end of our choices.

We know you have not joined recent calls for Parliament to support televised national climate briefings. There are of course different views on this, and we would welcome the opportunity for open and respectful discussion with residents about this.

Climate impacts are no longer distant concerns. Repeated flooding has affected travel including closures of the A377 between Crediton and Exeter, which also disrupts businesses, and daily life across your constituency.

Crops have been unsuccessful locally as a direct result of our changing weather. We know you support our agriculture, and with this in mind we would like you to consider suggesting some possible dates for a showing of NEB which you can attend.

We wish to encourage constructive conversation about how communities such as ours can prepare for the challenges ahead, and about the value of clear public communication during national emergencies.

We would be delighted if you were able to join us for a future screening and discussion. Please let us know when you would be able to attend and we can organise it.

Rachel Backhouse

Crediton