Bringing Rural Voices to Westminster: ARC at the Climate Lobby

On 9 July 2025, we were proud to represent The Arthur Rank Centre at the Climate Coalition’s mass lobby in Westminster—a gathering that brought together thousands of people from across the UK to speak with MPs about climate justice, creation care, and the future of our communities.

We arrived in London the evening before, preparing for a day of conversations and connection. Based at the QEII Centre opposite Parliament, our stand offered a meeting point for those interested in both climate and countryside—recognising that while these concerns are sometimes seen in tension, they must ultimately be held together.

Dialogue at the heart

Throughout the day, the event buzzed with energy, purpose, and hope. We were heartened by the number of people who came to talk, to listen, and to share. Many expressed their gratitude that rural voices—particularly those of farmers and rural communities—were being represented in these conversations about climate and policy.

We had the joy of sharing our message with passers-by, handing out beetroot seeds (a symbol of rooting hope in the land), and reflecting on the shared values that unite climate advocates, food producers, and people of faith. It was encouraging to see that the complexity of rural life was understood and respected by so many who stopped to talk.

Youth voices and shared hope

A particular highlight was seeing Joshua, our 17-year-old work experience student, speaking with visitors and engaging with those attending. He brought insight and passion as he shared both the views of rural young people and his experience of being part of the ARC community.

We’re especially grateful to everyone who visited the stand, took time to reflect, and entered into meaningful conversations.

We also contributed to the lead-up to the event by writing a short piece with Sarah Hulme – Methodist Church’s Rural Mission and Ministry Officer for the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT), reflecting on the urgent need to bring together climate concern, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.

👉 Read the article here: Restoring Nature for a Safer, Healthier Future

Looking ahead

As we travelled home that evening, tired but encouraged, we carried with us a deep sense of connection: between people, between land and climate, and between churches and the world around them.

May the seeds we planted that day—conversations, beetroot, and glimpses of mutual understanding—continue to grow.