Chris Packham backs Axminster screening of The People's Emergency Briefing

Published: 20 July 2026

Chris Packham backs Axminster screening of The People's Emergency Briefing.

Axminster Town Council is facilitating two free public screenings of The People's Emergency Briefing at The Axminster Guildhall on Monday 3rd August at 2PM and 6PM, followed by a facilitated community discussion.

The screening forms part of a growing UK-wide programme of events designed to help ensure that both the public and decision-makers are clearly and honestly informed about the climate and nature crisis - and what it may mean for communities across the country.

In November 2025, more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered at Westminster Central Hall for the National Emergency Briefing - a landmark event bringing together leading experts to assess the UK's exposure to climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, set out the implications of climate and nature breakdown for food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security, alongside evidence-based actions that could reduce these risks.

This national event has now been adapted into a 50-minute public film, The People's Emergency Briefing, which launched nationwide on 7th April and is now being screened in communities across the UK.

The film brings together leading scientists to present a clear picture of the challenges ahead, while creating space for local communities to consider what these issues may mean in their local area, and how they can support their MP to call for stronger action.

Chris Packham said:

"I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing. It creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about what these changes mean where we live, and about what we can do together to address them.”

In Axminster, the screening comes at a time when recent flooding, hosepipe bans, river health, and farming pressures remain fresh in residents minds and where the Town Council continues to work with partner organisations and members of the community to consider what eventualities need to be considered as part of the Community Emergency Plan, as well as support the work of focus groups like Plastic Free Axminster, Axminster Climate Action Group and The Community Orchard and Wildflower Meadow group.

Following the film, attendees will be invited to take part in a structured discussion, designed to support open, constructive conversation about the issues raised and what they may mean locally.

The Town Council emphasise that the event is intended as a civic space that brings together residents, community leaders and decision-makers. Political leaders and other influential figures have been invited to attend and take part in this important community event.

Axminster Mayor, Cllr Jack Price said:

“This is about creating a safe space for people to come together, consider the evidence and begin a more open and informed conversation about what it means for our community - and how we can work collaboratively to protect our natural environment and safeguard our future and that of our children and their children.”

With screenings taking place nationwide, local events form part of a broader effort to build a shared understanding of climate and nature risks across the UK, and to support constructive public dialogue about future choices.

Tickets for the Axminster Guildhall screenings are free, but advance registration is required. You can book via the Ticket Source link on the Guildhall website.