Stoke-on-Trent becomes first 10:10 City

(article received via email from the 10:10 campaign)

The Conservatives have pledged to sign up central Government to 10% cuts in 2010 if elected. Our very own Eugenie Harvey says: “Today's announcement from the Tories is truly remarkable. This would mean that all central Government buildings, from Big Ben to Belmarsh Prison will follow the inspiring example set by families, businesses, schools, and faith groups across the country in making an ambitious 10% emissions reduction in 2010. In less than 100 days, the 50,000 strong 10:10 community has shown what real climate leadership looks like.”

Stoke-on-Trent becomes first 10:10 City


MP for Stoke-on-Trent North Joan Walley with 10:10 Campaign Director Eugenie Harvey

Dear 10:10ers,

A huge 10:10 welcome to the historic city of Stoke-on-Trent, which last night became the first city to sign up en masse to the campaign.

At an amazing launch event at St Margaret Ward school, scores of local business and organisations joined local MP Joan Walley to pledge their support for 10:10. As Head Teacher Chris Smith told the crowd, "The thing that is so compelling about 10:10 is it encourages us all to take responsibility." (read more about the Stoke signup event here).

From Port Vale and Stoke City Football Clubs to Staffordshire Police and the Fire Brigade Union, and from the British Ceramics Confederation to the little High Lane Oatcake Shop, people are working together to build a cleaner, greener future for their city. The atmosphere in Stoke used to be filled with carbon pollution from coal mines, steel mills and pottery kilns. Now it is now alive with just the kind of eco-inspiration we hope will spread across Britain over the year ahead.

Stoke-on-Trent: 10:10 salutes you. Where will be next to step up to the 10:10 challenge...?

Warmest wishes from
Eugenie, Daniel, Leo, Franny, Mal, Harriet, Tracey, Alexis, Ben, Duncan, Steven, Robin, Tamsin, Charlie, Tom, Nick and everyone else at 10:10.