COP26

Asked about the timeframe for the UK presidency following COP26 and proposed shifting focus from climate change to energy security.

Stated that the UK holds the COP26 presidency until November 2021, working closely with Egypt as the next host. Emphasised pushing for a clean energy transition and ensuring countries deliver on their climate commitments.

Asked about efforts to rebuild a coalition of developed and developing countries ahead of Egypt's COP27 presidency.

Responded that the Glasgow climate pact was delivered through consensus among nearly 200 countries and highlighted the need for delivering on commitments during his remaining tenure.

Asked about the role of businesses in implementing the Glasgow climate pact and support provided to green technology companies like Grove Innovations.

Acknowledged the significant presence of private sector at COP26, with over 50% of FTSE 100 companies signing up to UN’s Race to Zero campaign. Noted the £450 million boiler upgrade scheme supporting green technology installations.

Inquired about discussions on a loss and damage fund with Cabinet colleagues and international counterparts.

Described the Glasgow dialogue to discuss funding for activities that mitigate, minimise, and address loss and damage. Acknowledged existing UK support through humanitarian and disaster response funds.

Discussed the need for an equitable loss and damage agreement compensating developing nations. Pressured UK Government to follow Scottish Government's lead on loss and damage.

Confirmed existing funding by UK towards international activities related to loss and damage, highlighted doubling of climate finance commitment.

Inquired about progress on adapting to the damaging effects of climate change during his COP26 presidency.

Emphasised working with parties for faster adaptation progress, including finance commitments and domestic measures like £5.2 billion for coastal erosion and flooding.

Asked about priorities during COP26 presidency, highlighted success in dedicating private capital towards net zero targets.

Acknowledged the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero and its role in directing funds towards climate resilience projects in developing nations.

Inquired about priorities to create new green industries and jobs through COP26 presidency.

Linked achieving net zero with job creation and highlighted support for Borders College’s entrepreneurship and carbon literacy courses.

Asked for updates on the Santiago Network on loss and damage, aiming to provide technical support by COP27.

Provided details on ongoing work towards operationalising the Santiago Network with funding available by year-end.

Discussed priorities at COP27, particularly support for adaptation in small island developing states, noting 1.5°C target to preserve coral reefs.

Confirmed prioritisation of adaptation finance doubling by 2025 as a key priority moving forward.

Emphasised the recognition of net zero in the private sector, the commitment to net zero by 2050, and the importance of acting on commitments made at COP26.

Critiqued the Government's approach to fossil fuels, questioning the necessity of new oil, gas or coal licenses given climate targets.

Called for faster action on emissions cuts and greater commitment to adaptation finance following a UN report warning about the consequences of inaction.

Suggested looking at legislation that would ban bottom trawling as part of marine conservation efforts to tackle climate change.

Argued for increasing investment in renewables, nuclear and energy efficiency rather than fossil fuels following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Asked about the assessment of COP26 outcomes.

Asked for investment in nuclear technologies to ensure energy security and economic growth.

Supported more investment in nuclear power, particularly small modular reactors, as a way to combat climate change and reduce household fuel costs.

Asked the COP26 President about steps being taken to ensure delivery of commitments made at COP26.

Sought support for apprenticeships in green technologies, highlighting local action alongside national efforts as crucial.

Asked about the construction of a Holocaust memorial building and its impact on local traffic and air pollution.

Pressed for concrete steps to scale up finance for adaptation in line with IPCC recommendations, questioning if half measures are enough.

Asked the Minister about the path to net zero and its impact on energy resilience, highlighting that the UK is seen as a leader in clean energy transition.

Inquired about steps being taken to ensure environmental and human rights defenders' voices are heard at COP meetings and their safety is protected globally.

Complimented the Minister for promoting renewable energy growth in Europe, and asked about pressing ahead with nuclear agenda plans with European allies.

Praised employers reaching out to young people at apprenticeships fair for delivering jobs in high-tech sectors relevant to the clean energy transition.

Asked if the Minister would use his presidency to assist other countries in diversifying their energy supplies and adopting renewable energy with British support.

Inquired about giving parity of consideration for biodiversity loss alongside existing plans for delivering net zero emissions.