Climate Change

Nusrat Ghani Con

Wealden

Discusses the draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipping) Regulations 2026 and the draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026.

Claire Coutinho

Raises concerns about the economic impacts of the net zero target, questioning how much more expensive this will make food or energy bills and family holidays. Criticises government for increasing costs on electricity bills through taxes and levies.

Jonathan Davies Lab

Mid Derbyshire

Responds to Claire Coutinho's intervention, arguing that investment in offshore wind power has insulated British consumers against fossil fuel price hikes. Suggests renewable energy benefits consumers and businesses.

Luke Murphy

Criticises Claire Coutinho for changing her stance on climate change and questions the credibility of her argument based on previous statements.

Toby Perkins Lab

Chesterfield

Points out evidence from the Climate Change Committee that says the cost of doing nothing is more expensive than the costs needed for net zero. Argues against attempting to row back on net zero targets.

Peter Swallow

Cites CBI findings stating that the net zero economy is worth £100 billion in investment annually and supports 1.1 million jobs in Britain.

Toby Perkins Lab

Chesterfield

Welcomes draft Carbon Budget Order 2026, criticises shadow Secretary of State's misunderstanding. Emphasises transparency and past political consensus on climate change. Acknowledges economic growth alongside emission reductions since 1990. Discusses benefits of net zero transition including green jobs and GDP contributions.

Nusrat Ghani Con

Wealden

Announces a five-minute speaking limit for all Back Benchers, without providing substantial contribution to the debate on carbon budget order or related policies.

Pippa Heylings Lib Dem

South Cambridgeshire

The speaker discusses the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change, including economic costs, public health risks, and infrastructure failures. She highlights that the UK is unprepared for extreme heat events, with record temperatures surpassing previous records set in 1976. The speaker emphasises the need to address food supplies under increasing pressure from climate-related challenges, noting three of the worst harvests in recent years. Public transport gridlock, school closures due to high temperatures, and telecommunication issues are cited as current impacts on daily life. She also mentions avoidable deaths during heatwaves and the economic losses incurred by businesses. The speaker advocates for immediate action on climate change, including adaptation measures like nature restoration and local authority involvement.

Adrian Ramsay Lab

Harrow East

Intervening to highlight the serious human cost of not addressing climate change, with 10,000 avoidable deaths per year by mid-century if no action is taken. He emphasises the current and immediate impacts on people's lives.

Warinder Juss Lab

Brent North

Agrees that climate change is a pressing issue affecting constituents, especially young people, who are concerned about its immediate impact. She argues for focusing on the present situation and dealing with it now.

Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem

Bath

Supports the speaker's call for urgent action and highlights the UK's climate leadership, citing the Prime Minister's ambitious nationally determined contribution announced at COP29 in Baku.

Olivia Blake Lab

Bristol North West

Supports the seventh carbon budget which aims for an 87% emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. However, the economic impact of climate change costs around £60 billion a year. The UK's influence on global climate action is significant and we must lead by example. Climate policy should deliver tangible benefits like lower energy bills and more skilled jobs. It is necessary to seize this opportunity for a sustainable future.

Sarah Gibson Lab

Wirral South

Welcomes the decarbonisation of homes as essential to achieving carbon budget goals but warns that without adequate technical support, public confidence may be lost. Retrofitting existing dwellings faces challenges and requires clear information and consumer protection. The warm homes plan is a step forward but risks repeating past mistakes. Proposes technical support from initial analysis through installation and final sign-off for those applying for Government funding.

Lewis Cocking Con

Broxbourne

The current Energy Secretary is putting up bills and killing jobs. The Government’s policies are holding back home-grown manufacturers, making energy costs the highest in the developed world, and pushing impractical targets that are unworkable for rural areas like parts of my constituency. We need to unlock North sea oil resources to produce less carbon dioxide than imported oil.

Barry Gardiner Lab

Brent North

The debate is crucial because the scientists were right about climate predictions, while politicians were wrong. The number of green jobs reached by the Climate Change Committee’s progress report on net zero economy is 650,000, far surpassing initial projections and showing the economic benefits of such policies.

Richard Tice Con

Not specified

Mr. Tice argues that the carbon budget order is job-destroying and industry-killing, citing a historical comparison where energy consumption increased by 20% between 1980 and 2000 while GDP per capita grew at 3.2% annually. In contrast, from 2000 to the present, energy consumption declined by about 15%, leading to GDP growth of only 0.5% annually.

Toby Perkins Lab

Chesterfield

Mr. Perkins responds with disbelief at Mr. Tice's speech and highlights China's leadership in renewable energy, emphasising that China installed more solar panels in 2024 than the entire world did in 2023.

Lee Anderson Con

Not specified

Mr. Anderson supports Mr. Perkins by mentioning that China imports wind turbines with asbestos, questioning their quality and safety standards.

Melanie Onn Lab

Great Grimsby

Ms. Onn questions the disparity between local council statements supporting renewables and Mr. Tice's views expressed in Parliament, highlighting inconsistencies.

Ellie Chowns Con

Not specified

Ms. Chowns suggests that rising energy costs are primarily due to Putin's invasion of Ukraine rather than policy impacts.

Justin Madders Lab

Ellesmere Port and Neston

Mr. Madders supports the net zero transition, highlighting its economic benefits like £105 billion in value and over 1 million jobs. He discusses concerns about the ZEV mandate's impact on domestic car manufacturers who are struggling to meet market demands for electric vehicles due to subsidies and competition from foreign manufacturers.

John Milne Con

North Thanet

The effectiveness of any carbon budget relies on accuracy and attainability. John Milne questions the overconfidence in carbon capture and storage, highlighting that reliance on imported fracked LNG undermines public confidence. He also discusses the issue of aviation emissions and proposes stronger accountability within the sector.

Steve Race Lab

Hull East

Welcomes the draft order and regulations for carbon budget 7, stressing that meeting targets requires scaling climate technology at pace and scale. Discusses regulatory barriers to innovation and proposes embedding climate outcomes into mandates of key regulators. Also mentions the need for a national net zero test in planning decisions and faster deployment of small modular reactors.

Jayne Kirkham

Intervenes to highlight floating offshore wind projects in Cornwall, which could bring significant jobs and skills to the region.

Harriet Cross Con

Aberdeen South

The speaker criticises the Government's commitment to banning new licences in the North Sea and stopping the permitting of Rosebank and Jackdaw, arguing that it increases imports of more carbon-intensive oil and gas. She also highlights concerns about the electrification of industry leading to a reduction in industrial capacity, particularly steel production for defence and civil nuclear industries. The speaker points out that reaching the carbon budget assumes a significant reduction in meat and dairy consumption by households, which may be unrealistic given global economic pressures. She emphasises that China is not imposing similar costs on businesses or households while continuing to build new coal plants, questioning whether the UK’s aggressive approach towards net zero has any real impact globally when other major polluters are not following suit.

Chris Hinchliff Lab

Hertford and Stevenage

The speaker supports the Government's determination to keep the country on track for net zero but emphasises that this must be done in a way that addresses deep inequalities across the UK. He highlights the need to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, can invest in net zero technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps through upfront spending. The speaker also stresses the importance of geographical fairness and involving local communities in decision-making regarding net zero infrastructure deployment.

Caroline Voaden Lab

South Devon

The debate focused on the need for substantial progress in addressing climate change and achieving carbon targets. Caroline Voaden highlighted that while renewable energy is making good progress, other sectors such as farming, transport, tree planting, and heat pumps require significant improvement. She emphasised the importance of sustainable agricultural planning, land use frameworks to prioritise productive land, major shifts towards public transport, easier access to EV charging, and quicker implementation of active travel initiatives. Additionally, she questioned the logic behind expanding airports while striving for emission reductions.

Fleur Anderson Lab

Putney

Fleur Anderson welcomed the Government’s commitment to the seventh carbon budget amidst the current heatwave and acknowledged its importance in providing clarity for businesses. She highlighted the human toll of extreme weather, citing over 1,500 heat-related deaths last summer alone. While supporting the carbon budget approach, she raised serious concerns about the expansion of Heathrow airport, questioning how it aligns with efforts to reduce emissions across sectors.

Adrian Ramsay Green

I declare an interest as vice chair of the all-party parliamentary group for the environment and as a member of the Environmental Audit Committee. Green MPs will back these critical climate change orders and regulations... We must not go back to the days of denialism; neither must we tolerate any rowing back on climate ambition in response to a perceived electoral threat from the deniers and the delayers.

Alistair Strathern Conservative Party

I thank the Minister for the leadership she has shown on this issue, not just since taking up her role, but long before she came to this House—that is a powerful lesson at the heart of some of today’s debate... There will absolutely be areas where we need to go further, and many hon. Members have made good contributions to highlight some of them.

Richard Foord Conservative Party

The real choice before us is whether we prepare our economy for the future or watch other countries seize the opportunities that we allow to pass by... A century later, we are faced with another transition, from fossil fuels to clean energy generation. That is particularly relevant where I live in south-west England.

Sojan Joseph Lab

Dover

Carbon budget 7 is crucial for achieving net zero and requires behavioural and structural changes. The Government must have public support through fair policies, policy certainty, and joined-up government action. Local authority involvement is vital to avoid the fracturing of cross-party consensus on climate change. An example in Kent shows a £50,000 grant compared to a potential £667,000, demonstrating missed opportunities for funding. The Government should work closely with other departments and local authorities to maximize collective ability to deliver climate commitments.

Vikki Slade Lab

Christchurch

Concerned about inadequate UK preparedness for climate change as shown by the resilience framework mentioning climate change less than six times. Home-grown energy is key for adaptation and mitigation, urging acceleration of offshore wind projects in Dorset. Worried about planning appeal for an incinerator that contradicts Government policy on circular economy and waste management need. Incinerators will hinder net zero targets over 40 years by burning waste without carbon capture facilities.

Martin Rhodes Lab

Harrow West

Welcomes the clean energy mission but emphasises the importance of engaging communities beyond this debate to build public trust in decarbonisation efforts. Argues for policies that ensure benefits reach less advantaged communities and improve everyday realities. Emphasises that the challenge is urgent, requiring action beyond words to deliver a just transition.

Gideon Amos LD

Hampstead and Kilburn

The UK Energy Research Centre found that two thirds of the increase in electricity bills since 2021 is due to wholesale gas prices. The Liberal Democrats' plan to halve energy bills in ten years depends on breaking reliance on gas. Fracking, proposed by Reform and Conservatives, poses risks such as earth tremors, industrialisation of countryside, and threats to rivers while providing benefits only to oil executives.

Janet Daby Lab

West Ham

The Labour Government made historic investments in clean energy and rewilding projects, decreasing fossil fuel dependence and building national energy independence. The carbon budget will rebuild the natural environment and save lives by addressing air pollution which caused 4,000 premature deaths in London alone. Progress on cleaning up air has been made thanks to ultra low emission zones.

Jonathan Davies Con

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire

The Labour Government introduced the Climate Change Act 2008 and first carbon budget, making significant strides in climate change legislation. While greenhouse gas emissions have been cut by about 50% since 1990, there is a moral obligation to adapt as climate change affects national security and economic growth. Opportunities for green industries such as small modular reactors and green hydrogen should be pursued.

Lola McEvoy Lab

Torbay

The temperature in London is currently about 35°, whereas Darlington enjoys a perfect 25°—a stark reminder of the heatwave’s impact. The speaker expresses gratitude to staff supporting during this weather emergency and emphasises the severe risks for vulnerable populations. She criticises the Conservative party's stance on climate change as disconnected from reality. McEvoy highlights her region's successful net zero projects, such as the £22 billion investment in carbon capture technology and innovations like the Northern Endurance Partnership. She argues that these initiatives not only support decarbonisation but also create high-quality jobs with better productivity and wages compared to national averages. The speaker challenges the government to continue supporting industrial innovation and equitable career transitions for workers in fossil fuel industries.

Amanda Martin Lab

Portsmouth North

The effects of climate change are evident in Portsmouth, an island city facing rising sea levels and extreme weather. The speaker praises the Government’s warm homes plan for providing heat pumps to constituents at no cost, which has transformed their lives by reducing energy bills and improving home comfort during winter. She notes that public support for climate action is high, with 70% of voters wanting to support such initiatives. However, she expresses concern about rebuilding trust in clean energy projects after past scams have damaged confidence. Martin highlights the importance of investing in renewables and nuclear power to stabilise fuel prices and supports net zero alongside nature recovery efforts. She urges the Minister to address challenges faced by Portsmouth International Port due to high electricity costs.

Luke Murphy Lab

Wolverhampton South East

The speaker acknowledges that temperatures have reached critical levels, similar to those in 1976, but notes the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events today. He supports the seventh carbon budget, highlighting Britain's leadership in decarbonisation efforts and the economic opportunities presented by transitioning away from fossil fuels. Murphy criticises the Conservative party for abandoning climate targets without proposing alternative policies that would protect families and businesses. He argues that while there is uncertainty about job impacts post 2030 due to factors like automation and AI, the Government should focus on designing supportive policies rather than questioning the feasibility of net zero goals.

Katie White Lab

Yorkshire Coast

Welcomed the passion in the debate and addressed points raised by Claire Coutinho. Emphasised that the budget is about setting a trajectory towards 2050 rather than focusing solely on 2050 itself. Highlighted the increase in food bills due to inflation, criticised the opposition's approach to planning and innovation, and challenged Coutinho's position based on her previous actions while in government. Acknowledged supporters and questioned opponents' alternatives, including implications for electric taxis, flood-risk communities, solar panel users, and green investors. Called for resilience over risk and investment over stagnation.

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