CAMPAIGNERS will gather outside County Hall on Wednesday ahead of a vote on whether Isle of Wight Council will declare a Climate Emergency.

More than 100 local authorities nationwide, and more than 800 government organisations internationally, have already made the declaration.

Cllr Michael Lilley will put forward a motion to join them at the full council meeting on Wednesday.

His motion — initially planned for May but postponed because of the European Elections — includes a pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions on the Island by 2030.

Other authorities have set a target date of 2050 or no target date at all.

Demonstrators from the Isle of Wight Green Party, Extinction Rebellion and other groups will meet from 4.15pm, ahead of the meeting at 5pm, to urge councillors to support the motion.

Cllr Lilley said: "Well over 100 local authorities have now declared a Climate Emergency, and I hope to see Isle of Wight Council joining the list.

"In June, the Isle of Wight achieved UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, and my motion adds to the growing recognition that our Island is a green and environmental oasis which we need to protect and celebrate.

"Councils controlled by all the mainstream parties have declared including Conservative administrations such as Isle of Wight.

"In May, the UK Parliament unanimously voted to declare a Climate and Environmental Emergency.

"I am looking forward to cross party support on Wednesday. This is not about politics but the future of our children and grandchildren."

Cllr Lilley's motion also and demands that a 'climate change board' is established before the end of September.

Comprising of key groups, organisations and expert witnesses, the board would underpin the council's efforts to decarbonise the Island.

Daniel James, Chair of the Isle of Wight Green Party, said: "The Isle of Wight Council cannot continue to ignore the biggest threat facing our planet — that of climate change and global heating.

"Across the country, councils have taken a stand and the first steps towards protecting our land for generations to come.

"Now our councillors must take the lead and declare a Climate Emergency on the Isle of Wight."

A straw poll at taken at Isle of Wight Pride on Saturday had unanimous support for the council declaring a Climate Emergency.