Environmental campaigner and wildlife presenter Chris Packham has outlined a strategy for the Labour Party to recover from its devastating local election losses and counter the rise of the far right. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, the 65-year-old Springwatch host emphasised that young people are central to this plan.
Climate Anxiety Among Youth
Packham argued that the government underestimates the climate anxiety felt by younger generations. Drawing parallels with his own childhood during the Cold War, he noted that while the threat of nuclear annihilation never materialised, the impacts of climate change are already visible. "Young people are not waiting for the prospect of a missile; they're actually looking out the window and seeing the impact in front of them," he said.
Lowering the Voting Age
Packham supports reducing the UK voting age to 16, arguing that young people are less risk-averse and more invested in their future. He criticised the low youth turnout during the Brexit referendum, attributing it to a sense of disenfranchisement. "We have to reconnect to those young people. They have to feel secure that when they put a cross in a box, it's going to mean something," he explained.
Age Cap for Politicians
The conservationist also proposed an age cap of 65 for politicians, stating that the planet is being "brought to its knees by a bunch of idiots that are over 80." He believes younger politicians would bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to take necessary risks.
Easy Wins: Trail Hunting and Sewage Crisis
Packham identified banning trail hunting as a straightforward measure with broad public support. Despite 80-85% of the UK population opposing it, he criticised the ongoing consultation process. "It's highly symbolic and reflects the way we should respect rather than destroy our wildlife," he said.
He also called for urgent action on the sewage crisis, highlighting that farmers, swimmers, surfers, and anglers all want the issue resolved. He urged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency to prioritise cleaning up waterways.
Time to Act Before It's Too Late
Packham warned that Labour must act quickly ahead of the next General Election. He pointed to the US, where the Trump administration has undermined climate action, as a cautionary tale. "If that happens here, we're doomed," he said, but added that the UK still has a choice.
He lamented that the environment was barely mentioned during the local elections, with focus on cost of living and immigration. However, he stressed that climate breakdown directly affects energy prices and household budgets. "We see Shell and BP posting record profits on account of the war. Going forward, there are some key, symbolic things they could do to show they care about the environment," he said.
Advice from David Attenborough
Packham recalled advice from his close friend Sir David Attenborough, who turned 100 last week. Attenborough told him not to "bat on a losing wicket" and to focus on causes where he can make a difference. Packham has passed this wisdom to his step-daughter, Springwatch presenter Megan McCubbin, who left a note on his door saying, "Gone to rebel" when she joined Extinction Rebellion in 2018. "It's one of my most treasured possessions," he said.
Packham's new book, Nature is the Answer: A Toolkit for Eco-Positivity, illustrated by Conor Nolan, is now available. It aims to help children and families cope with eco-anxiety.
