BUSINESS bosses and local leaders discussed pressing climate issues in a summit organised by Barrow's MP.

Around 100 delegates and guests attended the Simon Fell-organised summit at the The Forum.

Mr Fell called the summit to bring people together to debate ways in which the community can help contribute to tackling climate change through more sustainable transport and infrastructure, and by looking at Furness's place in the energy sector.

The Government has set out a plan to move towards a zero-carbon economy.

Mr Fell Simon is due to attend the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow next month.

He said: "This conference starts in just 12 days and will be the biggest international summit the UK has ever hosted and the most important climate summit since the 2015 Paris Agreement.

"It will negotiate not only our plans, but the world's plans, for tackling climate change.

"This is a great opportunity to engage people across the UK, and the world.

"With that in mind, I felt this was the ideal time to turn the focus to Furness’ priorities, hence why I called this local summit.”

Amongst panellists from Stagecoach, Sustrans, BAE Systems, Ulverston firm Cut the Wrap, Cumbria County Council and Barrow Borough Council.

Lord Bird, Founder of The Big Issue, was the keynote speaker for the event, and is working together with Mr Fell on the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill in Parliament.

It is hoped that the Local Climate Summit will be an annual event.

Mr Fell said: “My hope is that this climate summit will be an opportunity for constituents to voice their experiences and concerns about the environment and to develop the conversation here in Barrow and Furness about climate change and empower more local people to make practical changes to their everyday lives, so that we all can play a part in protecting our planet.

“The event has been a huge success this year, and my thanks go to all of the panellists, guests, and stall holders who have attended. I hope to run similar such events across Furness, in the coming years.”

Lord Bird said: “It was an honour to speak today alongside Simon and to have his support for the Bill.

“We are in desperate need for long-term thinking embedded in UK policy making. Our Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill will, if made into law, put an end to short-term policies, which only serve to bite us back later."