House of Commons · General Debate
15 June 2022 · 22 other contributors
Opened by John McNally Lab Nuneaton
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
John McNally 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
John McNaly questioned the Government's commitment to their COP26 climate promises, noting that investment in new fossil fuel production was considered 'moral and economic madness' by the UN Secretary-General. He criticised the Westminster Government for increasing support for fossil fuels and disguising billions in subsidies for biomass through renewables policy.
Chris Stephens highlighted the overrepresentation of fossil fuel companies at COP26 compared to delegations from countries worst affected by climate change, suggesting that this should not be repeated at COP27.
Gary Streeter encouraged the Government to balance the transition towards green energy with ensuring the current needs for fossil fuels are met to keep essential services operational.
Jacob Young argued that fossil fuels remain crucial in the production of blue hydrogen, plastics and power through carbon capture utilisation and storage projects like Net Zero Teesside.
Ed Miliband criticised the Chancellor's new oil and gas incentives as contradictory to COP26 commitments on fossil fuel subsidies, questioning Alok Sharma's endorsement of such a policy.
James Sunderland inquired about business support for small companies towards climate neutrality despite potential short-term economic drawbacks.
Deidre Brock raised concerns over the role of biomass and wood-burning power stations in UK carbon emissions and questioned their alignment with COP26 commitments to protect forests.
Jon Trickett claimed that the Government's transition to clean energy is stalled or reversed due to fossil fuel interests dominating ministerial meetings, suggesting a lack of commitment to COP26 goals.
Sally-Ann Hart asked about progress on adaptation measures during the COP26 presidency year.
Asked about the opportunities for nature-based solutions to address climate change impacts.
Emphasised the importance of nature-based solutions, highlighting policies like flood funding and the Nature for Climate fund (£740 million) aimed at tree planting. Also mentioned plans to double adaptation finance to £40 billion by 2025.
Asked about addressing the financial gap in climate adaptation and loss and damage, urging the Government to ensure COP27 meets the £100 billion climate finance goal.
Inquired if the Secretary of State would work with the Foreign Office on advancing the responsibility of faith leaders in addressing climate change, as established at the Vatican meeting before COP26.
Asked about discussions to accelerate domestic renewable energy production and expressed concerns over reductions in onshore wind growth. Also questioned the Minister's commitment to hydrogen infrastructure for new housing developments.
Described plans to quintuple offshore wind and solar PV capacities by 2030, significantly expand nuclear and hydrogen production, and decarbonise electricity sector fully by 2035. Also discussed progress on the zero emission vehicles declaration launched at COP26.
Asked if the Government would consider scrapping green levies or introducing a downward escalator for them to help with energy bills.
Criticised the cap on renewables in contracts for difference and urged the Government to proceed aggressively on renewable energy projects.
Inquired about progress made at COP26 on supporting zero emission vehicles, asked if parking policy enforcement should be restricted to electric vehicles only, and discussed local authority initiatives for refuse vehicle emissions reduction.
The UK has the potential to become a net exporter of energy, particularly in green hydrogen. The speaker asked about progress made by his right hon. Friend towards developing green hydrogen for export.
Scotland is uniquely positioned to assist with the international shortage caused by events such as the war in Ukraine and energy infrastructure issues, while supporting carbon capture underground storage to meet net zero targets. The speaker requested a meeting with the COP26 President.
Asked if the agreement reached at the G20 meeting of environment and climate change Ministers for phasing out global coal was supported by Her Majesty’s Government on behalf of his right hon. Friend.
Welcomed RWE's partnership with SGN to investigate the provision of hydrogen gas in Scotland and the potential development of a 100 MW hydrogen production plant in Markinch, highlighting Scotland’s leadership in renewable energy technologies.
Emphasised the importance of nature in achieving net zero emissions and asked for an update on ambitions for biodiversity at the COP15 summit.
Government Response
The Government are committed to a managed transition from fossil fuels to green energy by 2050, with a focus on decarbonising the electricity sector by 2035. They argue that their policies support this transition while keeping essential services operational. Discussed the British energy security strategy, progress at COP26 on commitments, and future policies towards clean energy. Reiterated plans for zero emission vehicles declaration and addressed questions regarding green levies and local infrastructure. The Minister discussed progress on hydrogen production, carbon capture, coal phase-out, forest pledges, and biodiversity. He highlighted doubling ambition to 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen by 2030 and welcomed Scotland's leadership in clean energy transition.