COP26

The UK’s credibility as COP President rests on demonstrable climate action at home. The Government have set legally binding net zero targets but they are currently off track to meet their fourth and fifth carbon budgets, which are calibrated for previous, more lenient targets.

The COP President has talked confidently about British leadership, but the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan is full of big words and no real detail. The total impact, by the Government’s own admission, is that they will not meet the fourth and fifth carbon budgets.

What steps is my right hon. Friend taking, in his extensive discussions with leaders around the world on making progress at COP26, to develop a global standard or taxonomy of climate change impact in financial reporting and in green labelling investment products?

What progress the Government have made on raising international ambition to tackle climate change as part of preparations for COP26.

In a letter to all UNFCCC—United Nations framework convention on climate change—parties this week, the COP President rightly argued that we must halve global emissions by 2030 if we are to keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5° within reach.

What plans he has to arrange for remote virtual participation in COP26 in the event of ongoing restrictions due to the covid-19 pandemic.

A diplomatic source in the British Government is reported in the papers today as saying about the conference: 'No one in Europe thinks it’s going to happen and the US is increasingly sceptical that it can happen without a delay.'

What steps he is taking to encourage towns, cities and communities to deliver the UN sustainable development goals at local level in the run-up to COP26.

Asked about discussions on green investment and public transport funding in the run-up to COP26, enquired specifically about £30 billion capital investment availability and hydrogen-powered buses project.

Critiqued the Government's lack of joined-up thinking on environmental commitments and called for real leadership on environmentally sound investments, charging frameworks, and technology support.

Inquired about steps to promote biodiversity action alongside climate action in COP26 preparations and questioned how delayed Environment Bill would impact CBD-COP15 outcomes integration into COP26.

Asked about discussions with high carbon-emitting countries on policy objectives for COP26 and inquired about promoting nuclear power at key UK sites like Wylfa Newydd to meet net zero targets.

Inquired about steps taken to consult businesses in preparation for COP26, commended Derbyshire County Council's green entrepreneurs fund initiative and praised local leadership on the issue.

Asked about steps being taken to consult civil society and youth groups, particularly in relation to input from children and young people.

Inquired specifically about measures to involve youth groups in COP26 preparations.

Asked how civil society, including youth groups, would be consulted and expressed interest in the Youth4Climate event in Milan.

Questioned whether supporting a new Cumbrian coalmine and scrapping green incentives aligns with net zero carbon emission commitment by 2050, suggesting the government's rhetoric is unconvincing.

Asked the Government to assure her that protecting and enhancing the environment will be a top priority at COP26, especially for the people of Cornwall.

Critiqued the UK's green economic stimulus as insufficient compared to other nations, highlighting that the investment in green recovery is significantly smaller than President Biden’s plan. He also questioned the consistency of the UK government's climate actions.

Inquired about diplomatic steps taken by the Government to engage with international partners for COP26 preparations.

Asked whether heat pumps can sufficiently replace all gas boilers and inquired about supplementary heating options if needed.