← Back to House of Commons Debates
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Lead MP
Chris McDonald
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
DefenceClimateNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Chris McDonald raised concerns about draft greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme (amendment) (extension to maritime activities) order 2026 2026-02-03 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The UK ETS was established under the Climate Change Act 2008 to contribute to emissions reduction targets. The amendment expands the scheme to cover maritime activities, requiring operators to monitor and report emissions from domestic voyages and in-port activities starting July 1, 2026. Exemptions apply for Government ships and ferries serving Scotland’s islands and peninsulas. Operators must obtain an emissions monitoring plan and independently verify annual reports submitted by March 31 the following year.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
The draft order imposes a significant financial burden on UK businesses, including an estimated £85 million cost. It increases administrative burdens with detailed requirements for emissions monitoring plans. The extension of the ETS to maritime activities is seen as a carbon tax rather than a mechanism for decarbonisation. Bowie criticises the lack of infrastructure and guidance for industry compliance. He supports exemptions for fishing vessels and ferry services but questions why similar exemptions are not granted to other island connections.
MP
Lab
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Critiques the extension of the UK ETS, arguing it negatively impacts the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen. Cites that more than 145 vessels will be impacted by the instrument without protection from the 5000 GT threshold. States opposition to the Government’s policies on energy security and carbon leakage risks.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Highlights the impact of increased ferry costs for residents of the Isle of Wight due to the UK ETS extension. Cites lack of public subsidy compared to Scottish islands and argues that travel costs will increase by 15% as per estimates from the Chamber of Shipping.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Outlines disproportionate cost impact on Northern Ireland due to reliance on sea transport. Argues against the effectiveness of reducing emissions and criticises lack of support for transition to alternative fuels or retrofitting existing vessels.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antra
He argues that the Emissions Trading Scheme will have serious impacts on Northern Ireland's trade routes and economic viability. He cites statistics showing that maritime transport is already carbon-efficient, with domestic maritime emissions accounting for only 1% of total UK emissions. He calls for a delay in implementation to allow further review and assessment of the impact.
He criticises the fairness of the Emissions Trading Scheme, highlighting the exemption given to Scottish islands but not Northern Ireland despite both relying heavily on maritime transport. He expresses concern over the six-month timeframe for compliance being unrealistic and insufficiently supported by government funding.
The Minister defends the scheme's necessity for protecting British industry from unfair competition and emphasises the Government’s commitment to decarbonisation with £448 million of funding. He addresses specific concerns raised about the Isle of Wight, noting that only two vessels will be directly affected.
Welcomes the Minister's offer for a meeting but raises further issues such as lack of grid capacity at Portsmouth preventing full use of electric capabilities on hybrid vessels. He questions the reasonableness of applying costs to smaller ferry services when major polluters like container ships are not directly addressed.
Minister Chris McDonald presented the draft order to the Committee, emphasising the importance of creating parity between vessels that operate between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and those that operate between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland by offering a 50% reduction. He also highlighted the need for tackling climate change despite the costs associated with it.
Jim Allister questioned the Minister's prioritization, stating that parity with the Republic of Ireland is more important to him than parity within the rest of the United Kingdom.
Minister Chris McDonald clarified his stance on Northern Ireland’s 50% reduction measure to ensure no disadvantage to Northern Ireland vessels operating between Great Britain and Northern Ireland compared to those going to the Republic of Ireland. He also addressed concerns about environmental regulations and the need for industry investment.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Sir Julian Smith sought clarification on discussions with the Northern Ireland Office regarding the measure's impact, emphasising the additional burden this places on Northern Ireland following the Windsor framework negotiations. He questioned whether further conversations have taken place.
Minister Chris McDonald confirmed that support from all four Governments of the United Kingdom is needed for the measure and invited any Members wishing to discuss the matter to do so.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Carla Lockhart expressed concern over Northern Ireland being disadvantaged under this measure, calling for more engagement with concerned individuals. She asked whether the Minister would meet Members from Northern Ireland to discuss the real impact.
Minister Chris McDonald agreed to extend an invitation for further meetings to any Members wishing to discuss the matter in depth, while noting that extensive consultation on this statutory instrument has already taken place.
Government Response
Defends the Emissions Trading Scheme, emphasising its necessity for protecting British industry and outlines Government’s support for decarbonisation with £448 million of funding. Addresses specific concerns raised about the Isle of Wight, noting that only two vessels will be directly affected. The Minister emphasised the need for carbon pricing policy inclusion for domestic maritime activities to achieve decarbonisation goals and drive green investment across the United Kingdom. He also discussed the measure's impact on Northern Ireland, stressing the importance of parity with vessels operating between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.