National Emergency Briefing

 Screening of the Emergency Briefing

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Polmont Community Hub regularly hosts screenings of films related to environmental issues. Unfortunately, these events are not well attended, largely due to the lack of promotion from mainstream media. Many in our community view our sustainability development goals as doomerist and unrealistic. Overall, there is a reluctance among the populace to transition to low-carbon living, especially in this area, where we have long been taught to take pride in our industrial heritage. For the past 250 years, British industrialists launched much of the technology that fueled the global industrial revolution right from here, and as a result, this area tends to lean pro-industry. 

Environmentalists are a minority locally, which is why it was essential for us to screen the Emergency Briefing. The hub demonstrates what can be achieved by embracing the transition towards low-carbon living. Contrary to what some industrialists, politicians, and mainstream media convey, we have made a very successful and just transition from council ownership to community ownership by embracing net-zero targets. This shows that these targets are not unrealistic; in fact, they are relatively easy to achieve. Embracing low-carbon living benefits not only personal well-being and mental health but also that of the community as a whole.

Since we saved the hub from closure, we have witnessed a seismic shift in community strength. Now, we aim to extend this success throughout the wider district with our Community Action Plan. Our sustainability champion has approached the District Council for assistance, especially since three other areas in the Falkirk district have already developed Community Action Plans.

For our screening, we wanted cross-party political leaders to attend, particularly from our communities in Ward 8 and Ward 9 of Falkirk District Council. We reached out to all political parties to support our Community Action Plan. As the small group of volunteers managing the hub, we knew that Polmont Community Council has all the local political leaders on their mailing list. We requested that they send out invitations so that all leaders in the area were aware of the event. We believe the electorate should know who attended and which net-zero sceptics chose not to. With Scotland heading to the polls soon, the electorate needs to be informed about who supports communities and who supports industry.

It’s important to clarify that many people confuse a community council with the District Council and its elected councilors. The community council is made up of volunteers interested in the community and they provide feedback to the District Council and elected representatives. Each of the nine wards in Falkirk District Council has three elected councilors, and there is also an MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) for this area, with elections scheduled for May 2024. Additionally, there is a Westminster MP for the area. Although the Westminster MP stated he would attend our event, he ultimately did not; however, there was a representative from his Labour Party group in attendance, along with representatives from the Green Party and Polmont Community Council. Furthermore, two respected representatives from different branches of the Christian faith were also present.