During the next 4 days Friends of the Earth have a unique opportunity to challenge the government’s plans to fast-track fracking.

Amid immense public and political pressure, a Westminster Hall debate has been called for Wednesday morning – the first national debate on fracking in the House of Commons in almost 3 years.

Our challenge now is to get as many MPs there as possible to speak out on your behalf. The more MPs we can persuade to attend, the harder it will be for the government to ignore huge opposition to its reckless new fracking plans.

The government’s plans would allow drilling to happen without the chance for local people to have their say. This debate gives us an opportunity to stop this assault on local democracy and win over even those MPs who might have been sympathetic to fracking in the past.

But to make the most of this chance we need to make sure MPs are there to speak out against the plans to fast-track fracking – or at least find out what the impact would be on their constituents.

Do you have 2 minutes to ask yours to come along?

The government has been hoping to fast-track fracking unnoticed. But thanks to all the attention you’ve drawn to it’s plans, it’s failed to sneak them through parliament without a fight.

So let’s seize this opportunity – even if your MP can’t attend the debate, it’s still important to tell them you oppose the plans.

On 22nd September we’re joining renowned naturalist and BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham for his People’s Walk For Wildlife – one of the biggest events of the year for anyone who cares about wildlife.

Whether you’re able to come or not (sorry everyone outside London!), Chris has recorded a message for us to pass on to you, to say thanks for the support.

It’s up to all of us to stand up for our wildlife. Whether you love bees, butterflies, birds, or just like spending time in the natural world, this family-friendly walk is a chance to show just how important wildlife is to all of us. And to send a message to decision makers that we want thriving nature in our lives.

The walk starts at 1pm, but we’ll be at our stall near the Reformers’ Tree, Hyde Park, from 10am. So if you can make it along please come and say hi, grab one of our animal masks and bird whistles, and enjoy the walk. Chris is hoping to see as many colourful wildlife costumes and banners as possible so if you’d rather make your own please get creative.