Australian Bushfires

The Member expressed sympathy for those affected by the fires, praising the efforts of Australian firefighters and volunteers. He highlighted the environmental impact, noting that up to a billion animals may have perished. Hamilton argued that global warming is exacerbating such crises and criticised leaders like Trump, Bolsonaro, and Morrison who deny its severity. He advocated for a 'globalisation of the green new deal' to address climate change.

The Member welcomed the Minister's statement and questioned whether more could be done through regional partnerships, leveraging Commonwealth ties, and collaborating with other nations on global forest fires.

Wheeler responded by highlighting the Government's commitment to climate change as their top priority. She mentioned that they are working closely with other countries and organisations, such as COP 26, to promote ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Howell inquired about the number of British citizens affected by the fires in Australia.

Wheeler reported that no UK nationals have been killed and only one has been in touch for advice. She also mentioned that £4 million had been put aside for councils to bid for electric vehicle charging points.

Carmichael urged the Government to take a leading role in learning from these incidents, but criticised them for postponing their review of net zero carbon targets until autumn.

Nokes asked what individuals could do as the Government's practical support was mentioned. She emphasised that constituents were expressing affection and support for Australia in Romsey and Southampton North.

McCarthy criticised the Minister for not mentioning climate change once in her statement, highlighting that it is crucial given Australia’s high per capita emissions. She urged the Government to show leadership and work with Australia on decarbonisation.

Heald suggested that it was time for close allies like the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand to come together to support Australia. He also warned about potential scammers during this crisis.

West highlighted the role of Parliaments in addressing long-term issues like climate change, mentioning that Greta Thunberg's visit to Parliament has encouraged people to take up this mission. She also praised the work being done by the all-party group on Australia.

Cartlidge mentioned National Grid’s announcement about exceeding fossil fuels with zero-carbon sources, questioning whether it was appropriate to lecture Australia during their national emergency. He also affirmed the UK's readiness to provide help if requested.

The suffering in Australia is almost unimaginable. Scott Morrison has committed around AU$2 billion for bushfire recovery, but fossil fuel subsidies amount to AU$29 billion annually. Public money is spent on accelerating the climate emergency both in Australia and the UK (£10 billion). The Minister should stop funding fossil fuels.

Responded to queries regarding government's commitment to address climate change, particularly with respect to foreign policy review. Asserted that climate change is a top priority for embassies and mentioned green finance deals.

Expressed shock at the Minister's lack of mention of climate change in her statement, highlighting UK Export Finance’s support for fossil fuel projects. Asked for assurance to end such support.

Asked if climate change would be featured in the upcoming foreign policy review and suggested considering it as part of a global review.

Welcomed UK Government’s support for Australia and asked about the duration of the experts' stay assisting with bushfire recovery efforts.

Noted the extensive area affected by fires in Australia, stretching from Newcastle to London, and enquired about specific assistance that could be offered given the UK's expertise.

Suggested working with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to raise awareness of climate change issues among Australian Members of Parliament.

Expressed his connection to Australia and urged prioritising climate change at upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM).

Asked for clarification on the causes of bushfires in Australia, particularly regarding the role of arson.

Concerned about the Australian Government's approach to climate change and asked how the UK can persuade their sister party in Australia to take it seriously.

Asked for updates on Foreign Office travel advice regarding potential disruptions due to bushfires affecting planned trips to Australia.

Suggested coupling industrial strategy with climate diplomacy, focusing particularly on decarbonising power generation in Australia. Highlighted the UK's potential role in sharing expertise and lessons learned.

Congratulated the Deputy Speaker and expressed concern over the bushfires in Australia, particularly mentioning the loss of up to 500 million animals. Asked what assistance the UK can provide in terms of ecological and veterinary support.

Responded that she has asked similar questions about veterinary and agricultural support, noting that the deployment team will ask Australia what kind of help it needs. Emphasised the importance of making COP26 a success and using UK expertise to assist emerging countries in decarbonisation.

Congratulated the Deputy Speaker and highlighted that global warming has worsened the bushfires. Asked if UK foreign policy will make international co-operation on efforts to decarbonise its highest priority.

Asked about medical assistance being provided by the UK, both currently and in future, particularly for issues such as smoke inhalation caused by bushfires.

Congratulated the Deputy Speaker on resuming her post. Welcomed the immediate support given to Australia and asked about reforestation efforts in future.

Asked if the RAF can provide aviation assistance based on equipment capabilities and strategic air lift capacity, similar to what Singapore and New Zealand have offered.

Commended the support being offered by the UK to Australia and suggested that new hon. Members should join the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for parliamentary engagement, especially around climate diplomacy.

Congratulated the Deputy Speaker on her re-election and expressed concern about future environmental issues Australia may face after fires subside. Asked if there will be talks with Scott Morrison's government about long-term support.

Stressed the climate change emergency issue, noting that the US and Australia rank poorly in the 2020 Climate Change Performance Index. Asked how the UK is pushing for policy changes in those countries.

Complimented the bravery of Australian firefighters attempting to tackle the bushfires.

Thanked the Minister for her efforts in aiding people and properties affected by fires. Acknowledged an initiative led by Redditch Pets at Home donating up to £100,000 nationally to the World Wide Fund for Nature.