Coventry Students call for Climate Action at Westminster

Ellie and Mahmoud

Source: The Climate Coalition

Two Year 12 students from Coventry - Ellie Wood and Mahmoud Jalloh - made an extraordinary journey from the West Midlands to the heart of British democracy on 24 February. They travelled by train to London to speak inside the Houses of Parliament at the national 'Show the Love' climate event, organised by The Climate Coalition.

Invited by the Columban Missionaries based in Solihull, long-standing members of The Climate Coalition, Ellie and Mahmoud attended alongside Donna Nicol, Sustainability Lead for The Holy Cross Catholic Multi Academy Company, and Sr MaryAnne FCJ, a representative of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team. Together, they represented young people who refuse to stand by while the planet changes around them.

Walking through Westminster, passing through security, and stepping into the historic committee rooms of Parliament was more than a visit - it was an opportunity to step up, speak out, and shape the future.

Once inside, the students delivered powerful and compelling messages to an audience that included MPs from across the political spectrum, doctors, energy providers, experts from the food and farming industries, and national climate leaders. Their voices, usually heard in classrooms and school councils, were now being amplified in one of the most influential buildings in the country.

Far from being passive attendees, Ellie and Mahmoud were key speakers, invited specifically to articulate the experiences, fears and hopes of the younger generation. They spoke about the impact of climate change on Coventry communities, the growing worry of climate anxiety among young people, and the urgent need for meaningful action.

The room listened - intently. Policymakers, industry specialists and senior leaders paid close attention to the students' clarity, courage and emotional honesty, a moment that demonstrated just how essential youth voices are in the national conversation.

Ellie reflected on the magnitude of the experience: "The opportunity to be in Parliament was an honour. That someone as young as us could have the chance to let our voices be heard… that gives me hope for the future."

Donna Nicol shared her admiration for the students: "It was inspiring to attend the Climate Coalition alongside two Year 12 students whose courage and clarity shone as they spoke powerfully in front of MPs - a reminder that the next generation isn't just ready for change, they're leading it."

Mahmoud captured the spirit of the day with a message of action and accountability: "It was an opportunity to take a step towards fixing the mistakes of yesterday, for a greener, cleaner tomorrow."

Throughout the event, Sr MaryAnne FCJ played a vital part in supporting and accompanying the Coventry group. She helped connect the students' experiences to wider faith-based environmental action, reinforcing the message that caring for creation is both a moral responsibility and a collective mission. Her guidance added depth to the students' reflections and strengthened the sense of community among those attending.

For the Columbans and The Climate Coalition, the event was a powerful demonstration of faithdriven environmental leadership and the growing momentum behind young people determined to be heard.

The journey home to Coventry brought not just pride, but purpose. Ellie and Mahmoud returned inspired to share their experience with their peers and school communities, hoping to spark change, raise ambitions and build a legacy of environmental action across schools within the Holy Cross MAC and beyond.

Their collective message was clear and urgent:

Climate action can't wait. Young people are ready. And when given the opportunity, they will rise - with passion, knowledge and hope - to help build a better, fairer future for everyone.

LINK

Climate Coalition: www.facebook.com/theclimatecoalition