House of Commons · General Debate
24 February 2021 · 19 other contributors
Opened by Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Imran Hussain raised concerns about cop26 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Government must take substantial steps to promote climate action and a green recovery from the pandemic. Specifically, public transport infrastructure needs urgent investment to support more people using rail in the north of England and reduce carbon emissions.
Emphasises the importance of nuclear energy production in the UK's post-covid economic recovery. Supports large-scale nuclear advanced modular reactors (AMRs) and small modular reactors (SMRs).
Supports the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, which will help build back better and greener from covid-19 and level up regions across the country.
Questions the Government's commitment to public transport infrastructure improvements, particularly in relation to the northern powerhouse rail scheme.
Critiques the Government for approving a new deep coal mine in Cumbria despite its negative impact on emissions reduction goals and global credibility at COP26.
Asks about discussions with business owners and stakeholders regarding the UK's objectives for COP26, highlighting international engagement efforts.
Questions what steps are being taken to consult businesses in preparation for COP26. Proposes showcasing innovative green businesses through events like an upcoming jobs fair.
Challenges the UK's vague and unambitious objectives, pointing out missed targets on climate change action and questioning leadership credibility ahead of COP26.
Inquires about recent assessments of progress towards global climate leadership for COP26 and seeks to know if the UK will follow OECD advice regarding environmental conditions for bailouts.
Asks how the Government plans to ensure world-leading efforts in reducing emissions, particularly through air quality targets aligned with WHO guidelines by 2030.
Questions if the UK will submit its Paris agreement long-term strategy and meet its nationally determined contribution (NDC) by 2030 for COP26 preparation.
Asked about the progress made on raising international ambition to tackle climate change as part of preparations for COP26. Also inquired about actions taken against UK firms investing in businesses causing deforestation.
Inquired about steps being taken by the COP President to ensure that developing nations can fully participate at COP26, highlighting concerns over their vaccination rollout progress.
Asked what steps are being taken to consult with civil society and youth groups in preparation for COP26.
Inquired about the measures taken by the Government to maintain tackling climate change as a priority during the COVID-19 pandemic, and sought assurance that all areas of the UK will benefit from COP26 and G7 events.
Welcomed Alok Sharma to his position as President of COP26 and inquired about lessons learned from Welsh retrofitting schemes for reducing residential emissions globally.
Critiqued the UK’s credibility as COP president, highlighting slow climate action at home compared to commitments abroad.
Welcomed Alok Sharma and inquired about recognising the scale of the challenge for COP26 to keep alive the Paris target. Also asked for assurances on maintaining climate finance levels amidst aid cuts.
Asked about the opportunity to debate energy from waste at COP26 and expressed concern over incinerators pumping effluent into the atmosphere, urging adherence to the waste hierarchy.
Inquired about the COP President's stance on Zero Carbon Humber’s initiative to build the world’s first net zero carbon industrial cluster while creating green jobs, seeking support for its submission to COP26.
Government Response
The Government is committed to building back better and greener as we recover from covid-19. We have a 10-point plan that aims to grow the sunrise sector, support 250,000 green jobs and level up across the country through nuclear power production, advanced modular reactors (AMRs), small modular reactors (SMRs) and innovative British businesses. Provided updates on progress made towards COP26, highlighted plans for international co-operation on carbon markets and financing nature-based solutions, and detailed steps taken to ensure inclusivity in the conference. Acknowledged the importance of near-term targets to cut emissions by 2030. Responded positively to Andrew Murrison's concerns and confirmed that the UK is looking to avoid all waste by 2050. Emphasised leadership in environmental policy and commitment to change at home.