Representatives from over a hundred Repair Cafés visited the UK Parliament in London on 25 March. There, they spoke with a total of 91 MPs to explain why repair and reuse are important. The MPs could also experience for themselves how much fun repairing can be. Together with volunteers, they tackled various items such as a hairdryer, an iron and a kettle.
The event was organised by The Restart Project – our UK ally – and Back Market, a company specialising in refurbished electronics. They aim to ensure that the Circular Economy Strategy, which is currently being prepared by the UK government, is sufficiently ambitious and truly focuses on repair and reuse.
Wide support for UK Repair and Reuse Declaration
During the event, dozens of MPs signed the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration, which The Restart Project drafted for this purpose, together with community groups, national NGOs and businesses.
Greg Stafford (see photo at the top, on the left) also added his signature. He is the MP for the constituency of Farnham and Bordon, where several Repair Cafés are successfully run. Martin Charter, chairman of Farnham Repair Café, is delighted with his MP’s support. “The declaration calls for greater action to make repair more accessible and affordable, encouraging longer product lifespans and reducing environmental impact. By signing, Greg joins a nationwide coalition advocating for policies that support local communities and a circular economy.”
Hundreds of UK Repair Cafés have already signed the declaration. But there is always room for more support! Community groups, organisations, businesses and MPs can sign the declaration directly on the website. Citizens can use the site to find the email address of their local MP to invite them to sign as well.
More information
- Read The Restart Project’s news article about the visit to Parliament
- Read the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration
Photos: Mark A Phillips
First photo is showing: Greg Stafford MP with Professor Martin Charter (Farnham Repair Cafés) signs Repair and Reuse Declaration at parliamentary gathering
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