STUDENTS plied Rupa Huq, the Ealing Central and Acton MP, with climate change questions at St Benedict’s School in Eaton Rise, Ealing.
The event was timed to coincide with the UN’s COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.
Among issues raised were the controversial lower traffic neighbourhood schemes and the development of high-rise flats across Ealing.
One student challenged Dr Huq on loss of biodiversity through compulsory purchase schemes along the HS2 rail link route.
Another asked whether high-rise developments lead to over-population and, thereby, stretched resources.
St Benedict’s delivers climate education to all ages and the school supported the Be Bold Boris petition on climate change action.
Dr Huq said: “It’s great that Cop26 has galvanised the young of Ealing. I challenged the PM on expanding Heathrow, already the biggest CO2 emitter in Europe, by a further 260,000 flights a year.
“I found his answer that we were heading for guilt-free zero carbon aviation unconvincing in the extreme.
“By contrast, the St Benedict’s pupils were really switched on and have a great grasp of the issues. The future looks to be safe in their hands as the next generation.”
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