Leeds North West MP Katie White has been appointed the country’s new Climate Minister – and insisted Britain can ‘lead the way’ on tackling the climate crisis.
Ms White, who constituency includes Horsforth, was appointed as part of the Prime Minister’s reshuffle earlier this week.
Labour MP Ms White, who grew up in Adel, has spent more than two decades campaigning to tackle climate change. Before entering politics, she co-led the campaign at Friends of the Earth that delivered the UK’s pioneering Climate Change Act in 2008, the first law in the world to set a legally binding, long-term framework for cutting carbon emissions.
The following year, in 2009, she worked with the UK Government to prepare for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP15), a pivotal moment in global climate diplomacy. She later served in the newly created Department of Energy and Climate Change, helping to shape domestic and international climate policy.
Ms White said: “I am over the moon to share that the Prime Minister has asked me to step into the role of Climate Minister as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and I have (of course!) accepted.
“Since being elected last year, my inbox has been full of messages from people right across Leeds North West who care deeply about our planet.
“From Otley Chevin to the Dales, looking after the natural world is part of our Yorkshire DNA. That passion keeps me hopeful that Britain can lead the way on tackling the climate crisis, drawing on the ideas of our brilliant scientists, the drive of our entrepreneurs, and the determination of local people across Otley & Yeadon, Guiseley & Rawdon, Adel & Wharfedale, and Horsforth.
“It is a big responsibility, but I am excited to get started. I will carry on representing the views of our wonderful community in Parliament while working to push even harder for the change our planet needs now and for the future.”
White has also gone on to lead global advocacy work with Friends of the Earth and WWF, earning an OBE in 2013 for her services to climate action.
Earlier this year, she welcomed Sir David Attenborough to Parliament to host a private screening of his latest Ocean documentary, highlighting her work in championing nature and the environment.
Ms White was elected to Leeds North West in July 2024.
- More Horsforth news and views from WLD can be found here.
Ok here goes. NOT HAPPY! I have just soen over 20 minuets in line 1 trying too get threw too the doctors at New Croft Surg ho yes I have! Now I am requesting a reoeat perscription. I phones the olace I went too to see if they would issue it!, They said no they had sent a letter too my doctor at new croft surgery on repet! Now either there not reading the letters and just scanning them which is very stange? Because I know that two dictors are ment too read any letters and sign them too say they have! Has for this new system I tried too register today . But can not because my passport as less than 12 months on it! I do not have anyother id! So I would like you too contact said place and find out why it can take upto 20 min for so.eone too answer the phone especially when you in number 1! Why knowone is answering the phone and why they do not have all staff inc the oractice manager able too help! Or l8ke we use too have a pool of people who could help when busy! There is no no excuse for anyone too be made too wait 20,30 min for someone in a doctors practicetoo pick up a phone ever! We pay for this service by our tax3s and it is not fit for purpouse. Please do not tell me there getting use too it there are tec oroblems because it as not changed since this infact its got worse! I await your reply.