Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

COP26

09 June 2021 · 25 other contributors

Opened by Stuart McDonald SNP Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East

Climate

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Stuart McDonald raised concerns about cop26 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister emphasised the inclusive nature of COP26, engaging non-state actors, civil society, and international partners.
  • Outlined steps for a green recovery from the pandemic and progress on reducing methane emissions.
  • Stressed commitments made during the G7 related to COP26 negotiations.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Response

Alok Sharma

Responded to inquiries by emphasising the inclusive nature of COP26, highlighting efforts to engage non-state actors, civil society, and international partners. He also outlined steps taken for a green recovery from the pandemic and progress on raising global ambition towards reducing methane emissions. Responded to questions regarding international biodiversity targets, increased recycling rates, bioeconomy research, and diversity in COP26 negotiations. Stressed commitments made during the G7 meeting towards ending support for coal power generation. Reassures that the UK is committed to driving savings and supporting low-income households; doubles international climate finance commitment; engages in discussions with donor countries for delivery of $100 billion by COP26.

Other contributors (25)
  • Stuart McDonald

    Asked about discussions with Cabinet colleagues on increasing international engagement on climate change ahead of COP26, and the involvement of non-governmental organisations in the preparations.

  • Darren Jones Lab Bristol North West

    Inquired about clarity for stakeholders regarding their participation in COP26 given the ongoing pandemic situation.

  • Deidre Brock

    Asked about environmental initiatives proposed by the G7 and how these would impact discussions leading up to COP26.

  • Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton

    Discussed building back better after covid-19, emphasising the need for a global approach to climate action and asked about efforts to engage with big emitters such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and Brazil.

  • Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington

    Critiqued the Government's decision in 2015 to scrap zero carbon homes legislation and questioned why non-zero carbon homes are still being built.

  • Damien Moore

    Asked about steps taken to engage with international partners in north Africa regarding COP26 preparations.

  • Anthony Mangnall

    Inquired about plans for engaging sustainability groups ahead of COP26 and requested a Devonian perspective on COP26 this year.

  • Philip Dunne

    Asked if there would be scope for community groups leading practical climate action initiatives to attend COP26 in Glasgow.

  • Jonathan Edwards PC Carmarthen East and Dinefwr

    Asked about discussions with the Welsh Government regarding preparations for COP26, particularly concerning offshore energy generation and Crown Estate responsibilities.

  • Anne-Marie Trevelyan Con Rutherglen and Hamilton West

    The UK is committed to reducing all greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a reduction of at least 68% on 1990 levels by 2030 and 78% by 2035. The country is also tackling methane emissions domestically and internationally through initiatives such as the agricultural transition plan.

  • Bob Neill Con Bromley and Chislehurst

    Asked whether securing commitments to reductions in methane will be a priority at COP26, highlighting the significant impact of methane on climate change compared to carbon dioxide over 20 years.

  • Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth

    Asked about steps being taken through COP26 to increase recycling rates internationally, citing local schoolchildren's dedication to the cause. He also requested that international targets on recycling be considered.

  • Chris Grayling

    Inquired what steps are being taken through COP26 to ensure increased biodiversity is part of the climate change strategy and asked for pressure on Brazil over measures impacting the Amazon rainforest.

  • Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op York Central

    Asked about promoting investment in research and innovation in the bioeconomy ahead of COP26, specifically referencing BioYorkshire which aims to create jobs and upskill individuals while contributing to climate goals.

  • Virendra Sharma

    Inquired about steps taken to champion diversity and inclusivity within the UK’s COP26 negotiating team. He also requested a meeting with youth champions focused on the summit's objectives.

  • Peter Bone Con Wellingborough

    Asked for advice regarding transitioning towards sustainable transportation options, particularly focusing on electric vehicles and the environmental impacts of their production materials like cobalt and lithium.

  • Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

    Inquired whether COP26 would incorporate ending all new fossil fuel supply from next year based on IEA recommendations, emphasising the need for a fair phase-out of fossil fuels globally.

  • Robert Halfon

    Asked for a statement regarding his departmental responsibilities and recent G7 Climate and Environment Ministers' meeting outcomes, highlighting commitments to decarbonise power systems by 2030s.

  • Robert Halfon Con Harlow

    Welcomes the Government's plans for a cleaner, greener Britain but expresses concern that environmental measures may increase costs and affect low-income households negatively.

  • Ed Miliband Lab Doncaster North

    Critiques the Government’s decision to cut aid spending as undermining trust with developing countries ahead of COP26 and calls for immediate restoration of international development spending to 0.7% of GDP.

  • Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire

    Expresses concern over the approval of old-style carbon-belching waste incinerators, such as one proposed in his constituency.

  • Joanna Cherry

    Requests a better scheme than the smart export guarantee to encourage small renewable energy projects ahead of COP26.

  • Marco Longhi Con Dudley South

    Asks for details on steps taken by the COP26 President to engage with G7 countries ahead of the conference.

  • Lloyd Russell-Moyle

    Questions the current level of global emissions pledges and asks if the Government will give time to debate the climate and ecological emergency Bill when reintroduced.

  • Beth Winter Lab Rotherham

    Raises a question from a local schoolchild about giving more help to poorer countries to fight climate change.

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