ALEX Sobel has become the first Leeds MP to pledge his support to a Westminster-focused climate change initiative.

The Leeds North West politician has signed up to Divest Parliament, which is calling for Parliament's £612 million pension fund to cut its investments in fossil fuels.

Mr Sobel is also backing a local campaign to encourage West Yorkshire Pension Fund go 'fossil free' too, and divest any of its fossil fuel investments.

The Labour MP is one of more than 50 to have now signed the Divest Parliament petition, which has secured cross-party support and urges the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund (PCPF) to take a lead on tackling climate change.

Mr Sobel said: "I made it clear in my maiden speech to Parliament that tackling climate change is a priority for me as an MP.

"We need to act urgently to protect ourselves and future generations from it and t is widely accepted that the vast majority of known fossil fuels need to stay in the ground to keep us within safe climate limits.

"From both a financial and ethical perspective it doesn't make sense to be investing in fossil fuels.

"Divestment is a powerful way to take action on climate change and help us transition to a low carbon economy."

Jane Thewlis, from Fossil Free West Yorkshire, added: "We thank Alex Sobel for showing climate leadership and understanding the importance of keeping fossil fuels in the ground.

"It is increasingly clear that investments in fossil fuel companies are incompatible with the UK government’s commitments under the Paris climate change agreement to limit global temperatures to 'well below' two degrees Centigrade.

"Leeds can be proud that Alex is the first Leeds MP to sign Divest Parliament, joining others in West Yorkshire and across the UK in recognising the huge financial risks associated with fossil fuel investments."