On Saturday June 6th more than 100 residents gathered at Methodist Church in Withington for a public screening and discussion exploring the causes and consequences of increasingly volatile weather in the area.
The event, organised by members of several local community groups, brought together people from across the area. Attendees reflected on how extreme weather events have affected communities, posing frequent risks to life and damaging infrastructure.
The afternoon centred on a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, a film adapted from a national event held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from across UK public life gathered to hear from leading experts on the climate crisis.
The film outlined the implications of climate and ecological breakdown for food security, health, infrastructure, and the economy, while presenting evidence that risks can still be reduced. A community discussion followed the screening, with attendees sharing personal experiences of recent extreme weather and discussing what action could look like locally.
Among the attendees was Jeff Smith, MP for Withington Constituency, who contributed to discussions on how people can respond to the growing impacts of extreme weather at both the local and national levels.
Cordelia Newsome (65) a retired teacher from Withington, who was among the organisers, said:
“It was lovely to see so many people attending this event and engaging in meaningful discussion afterward. While the climate crisis can seem daunting, events like these highlight the importance of fostering welcoming environments where people feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and discussing what these issues mean for our community. We hope all participants left feeling more informed, connected, and assured that local efforts can make a difference.”
The event was part of a nationwide programme that brought the major UK climate briefing to communities across the country, making essential information more accessible and encouraging informed public conversation
