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COP29
26 November 2024
Lead MP
Ed Miliband
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Climate
Other Contributors: 35
At a Glance
Ed Miliband raised concerns about cop29 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:
Government Statement
The Minister extended his sympathy to those affected by Storm Bert, paying tribute to Lord Prescott for his role in negotiating the Kyoto protocol. He outlined that the UK attended COP29 to fight for its national interest, focusing on speeding up the clean energy transition and tackling climate change. The statement highlighted the importance of providing $300 billion in climate finance by 2035 for developing countries, reflecting a new global landscape with traditional donors like Britain joined by big emitters such as China. This agreement is projected to lead to emissions reductions equivalent to more than 15 times UK's annual emissions and help protect up to 1 billion people from climate impacts. The Minister also noted the disappointment in not reaching an agreement on transitioning away from fossil fuels due to inadequate text. He announced Britain's nationally determined contribution of reducing emissions by at least 81% by 2035 compared with 1990 levels, as advised by the independent Climate Change Committee.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
The MP congratulated the Prime Minister and Secretary of State on their leadership at COP29, particularly on delivering £300 billion in climate finance for developing countries. He asked to what extent the combination of Britain's performance at COP and domestic achievements since 4 July will encourage other countries to address the climate crisis.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that two truths emerged from COP: the clean energy transition is unstoppable, but it is not happening fast enough. Every country now knows the urgency of addressing the climate crisis due to its economic interests and the race for future good jobs in the clean energy sector.
Roz Savage
Lib Dem
South Cotswolds
Question
COP29 concluded with a deal that, while welcome, leaves much to be desired. We need bolder, more decisive action if we are to face the greatest challenge of our time: the climate crisis. I express Lib Dem support for a brave programme of action going forward and our willingness to work with his Department to help the UK step up and seize this opportunity for climate leadership.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady for her question and support for ambitious action, which is important. The effects of the climate crisis are already apparent, and we need to act now or future generations will hold us accountable. We are getting on with the warm homes plan; indeed, announcements were made last week about actions that will help over 300,000 families benefit from homes upgrades next year.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
No one can doubt the leadership shown by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State in Baku. Developing nations have been critical about the financial agreement that was reached, and the commitments made in Paris on fossil fuels were not followed through. What are the main barriers right now to getting the action and pace of action that are needed?
Minister reply
The truth is that some countries are worried about what it means for them—that is totally understandable. Some countries think it will be problematic for their prosperity. We must have a campaign for ambitious NDCs because it is crucial that that is the job of the next COP.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
I commend to the Secretary of State “The UK Small Island Developing States Strategy” report. A key focus of that report is the need to support those island states not just at COP but all the time by the UK being an advocate for their needs and requirements across the international community.
Minister reply
This is literally an existential issue for the small island states. Their testimony at COP was compelling and deeply distressing, and that is why the finance deal is important.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement today and the agreement reached at COP29 in Baku. He and I go back a long way on COP, so we know what it is like when it goes wrong. The fundamental reason we have leadership on the global stage now is not just because of the target but because we have a plan.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right. Her point about the target and actions is absolutely right, and there is global recognition that this Government have upped the pace in multiple ways.
Steffan Aquarone
Lib Dem
North Norfolk
Question
A green energy future is exciting for our local economy, but villages like Happisburgh are suffering from being part of the fastest eroding coastline in Europe. Can I push him specifically on how the outcomes of COP will provide reassurance to my residents who are worried about losing their homes to coastal erosion now?
Minister reply
We are speeding up global action, and this finance deal could mean a reduction equivalent to 15 times the emissions of Britain. That is hard going but it is the way to reduce temperature rises that will take place.
Josh MacAlister
Lab
Whitehaven and Workington
Question
I strongly welcome the Secretary of State’s signing of a new UK-US advanced nuclear technologies agreement at COP. Will he share more details of that agreement, and does he agree that it could form the basis of a much more ambitious agreement between the UK and the US on civil nuclear development?
Minister reply
This is about the next generation of nuclear power stations. The truth is—and this applies across clean energy in nuclear, renewables and so on—that we can learn so much from and work with each other in global and bilateral co-operation.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Question
The Prime Minister implied that the new wind energy project in Hull would result in lower energy bills for my constituents, but he refused to say by when. When can my constituents and others across the country expect to see the £300 reduction in their bills that the Labour party promised?
Minister reply
The National Energy System Operator report shows that this will lead to lower electricity bills. We get two protections from “Clean Power 2030”: one is lower bills, and the second is that we are protected against the devastating price spikes that affected the hon. Lady’s constituents during the gas price crisis of 2022.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
When I consider this sort of issue, I tend to think of my grandchildren and what the world will be like for them in years to come. Despite what my right hon. Friend says, there were tough negotiations at this COP, and he must be congratulated on the role that he played in achieving the agreements that we got there.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right: although we have party political disagreements on some issues, the consensus on climate action is so important precisely because of what he has set out: the fate of his grandchildren and all future generations, and the impact on them.
Carla Denyer
Green
Bristol Central
Question
Low-income countries were extremely disappointed by the finance agreements at COP—$300 billion does not come anywhere near the level of need. Critically, there was no clarity on how much would be grants versus loans, which could plunge developing nations into further debt. Does the Secretary of State share concerns over an overreliance on loans and private sector funding, and believes public finance should be raised through taxes on polluting companies?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady's disappointment is understandable; however, this represents a significant increase from the previous $100 billion commitment. While he acknowledges her concerns about grants vs. loans and the need for adaptation funds, he argues that public finance alone cannot meet demands. He highlights the importance of carbon markets and private sector mobilisation.
Sally Jameson
Lab Co-op
Doncaster Central
Question
Welcoming the Secretary's statement, does he recognise industrial heartlands such as Doncaster were let down by previous promises without delivery? What will Labour do to support British industry and coalfield communities?
Minister reply
The hon. Friend is correct; there are significant opportunities around hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and home insulation jobs for South Yorkshire’s industrial areas.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
COP leaders agreed to triple climate finance to $300 billion a year. The Secretary mentioned the spending review in his statement, but can he tell us how much the UK will contribute?
Minister reply
Individual countries set their own contributions towards this global total.
Calder Valley
Question
Welcoming my right hon. Friend’s statement, what is he doing to ensure we have the workforce necessary for retrofitting homes under the warm homes plan, especially in areas like mine where it's challenging?
Minister reply
The Department and Office for Clean Energy Jobs are working with Skills England to create a workforce plan, ensuring good jobs and proper regulation.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
Can the Secretary of State reassure us that UK aid budget will increase beyond what has gone on climate finance? Does the agreement on deforestation mean an end to subsidies for burning trees in England? Where can we find GB Energy?
Minister reply
Climate finance is part of the aid budget. Drax subsidies and GB Energy's setup progress are addressed separately.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
The COP in Azerbaijan did not deliver funding at necessary scale; should big oil companies fund climate investment given their profits from driving the crisis?
Minister reply
We need to be cautious on global levies and taxes, but we support the maritime levy idea.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Question
What does he say to Offshore Energies UK about energy tax stripping out £13 billion of North sea investment?
Minister reply
We believe in taxing unearned profits from oil and gas companies, which were paid for by the British people.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
What formal mechanism does he envisage to ensure youth oversight of emission reduction targets?
Minister reply
The UK signed a youth clause in our NDC, recognising young people as agents of change. He would like to discuss this with his hon. Friend and the youth coalition.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
Question
Does he agree that beyond COP29, we must commit to a phased ban on peat in horticulture?
Minister reply
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has allocated money for peatland issues through the Budget. He will write to her on these matters.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Question
How does he think the COP process could be improved? What advice would he give to anyone taking over a major world economy's presidency early next year?
Minister reply
The COP process has its critics but 90% of global GDP is now covered by net zero, up from none in Copenhagen. He acknowledges difficulty with 198 countries agreeing and welcomes suggestions for improvements.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
The Secretary of State is welcoming a conference to deal with CO2 where the host country tried to use it to sell oil and gas deals, leaders did not bother turning up, 490 civil servants were sent to attend, and the main topic was how to extract money from countries guilty of industrialisation. How can the Secretary of State expect hard-pressed taxpayers to pay out billions to foreign countries?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman has been debating these issues for 15 years; the truth about the climate crisis is that it poses the biggest potential cost to future generations. All evidence shows that acting on climate change is less costly than inaction.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
How will the UK implement new article 6 regulations of the Paris agreement, and support other countries with voluntary carbon markets for nature-based solutions like reforestation?
Minister reply
The UK is consulting on high-integrity principles for voluntary carbon markets. These measures will make a difference to developing countries by getting funds flowing to them.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Question
Can the Secretary of State explain why the Government is taking money from pensioners’ pockets for climate finance, given that 10,975 constituents in his constituency will lose winter fuel payments and 100,000 pensioners are being plunged into poverty?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is wrong; the last Government left public finances in a poor state. Decisions on UK contributions to climate finance depend on fiscal situation.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Question
Does the £1 billion Siemens deal in east Hull prove the Government’s commitment to making the UK a clean energy superpower?
Minister reply
The hon. Friend is right; this deal shows opportunities for business and jobs of the future, as other Governments are alive to these opportunities.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Where is the leadership in sending 470 officials and delegates halfway across the world to a climate change conference, costing carbon and cash? Did we send more than any other western European country?
Minister reply
There is a tradition of civil servants playing important roles at COPs; we sent fewer this time compared to under the previous Government.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Will my right hon. Friend consider taking a young person from sixth form or university along as an adviser, to remind delegations that it is future generations’ futures on the table?
Minister reply
Members of the UK Youth Climate Coalition go to COPs and represent future generations; hearing their voice is important.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Question
Despite noting that it is in the UK’s interest to speed up clean energy, what will the Secretary of State finally confirm about the Government’s plan for nuclear at Wylfa in my constituency?
Minister reply
Wylfa has important prospects; there is a pipeline of nuclear projects moving forward and we look forward to discussions.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that clean energy is how we achieve energy security, and that energy security is how we achieve national security when our world faces threats like never before?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right; clean energy superpower mission gives us the energy security failed by the Conservatives.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Did we make the case for investment in clean energy, reducing dependency on petrostates like Russia after its invasion of Ukraine?
Minister reply
Russia’s invasion showed fossil fuels do not give us security; imported or North Sea gas prices shot through the roof. The UK paid out £94 billion in support.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
Question
What specific work will be undertaken to improve global ambitions and keep temperature rise below 1.5°C, transitioning away from fossil fuels?
Minister reply
We will work with Brazil and other like-minded countries next year; we must set nationally determined contributions for 2035.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
How will the Secretary of State ensure that the pot of funding is used to achieve necessary aims and not siphoned off or lost, considering pushing a pen around can be costly?
Minister reply
Developing countries were as worried about quality of finance and access to funds as quantum; ensuring accessibility and right use will be crucial.
Hitchin
Question
How will we ensure that we capture economic benefits domestically, showing leadership in driving investment, growth and opportunity across the UK?
Minister reply
Since contributing only 1% of global emissions, clarity of purpose makes a huge difference to private investors; uncertainty is the enemy of investment.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Question
Constituencies such as mine and regions such as the north-east once powered the British economy. Does the Secretary of State agree that the leadership we are now showing must secure investment for those regions that have far too often been left behind, and that that investment must include new nuclear for towns such as Hartlepool?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is the route to reindustrialisation, and nuclear is a central part of this Government’s clean energy mission. As I always say, electricity use will at least double by 2050, so we need all the technologies at our disposal.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement, and thank him for showing such leadership on the world stage alongside the Prime Minister. As he mentioned in his statement, Britain must show leadership to get the 99% of emissions contributed by the rest of the world down, with nearly 1 billion people at risk of drought, flooding and heatwaves. Given the climate sceptics who now face him on the Opposition Front Bench, can my right hon. Friend restate for this House why it is in Britain’s interests to help those people?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. My constituents in Doncaster have faced two supposedly one-in-100-year flooding events over the past 10 years or so, and we know that those events will become much more extreme if we do not act, but the truth is that we cannot act on our own; we must act with others. That is the fundamental case for multilateral engagement and working with others on these climate issues, which the Conservative party used to believe, but no more it seems.
Tristan Osborne
Lab
Chatham and Aylesford
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement and for his clear global leadership on this issue over many years. A constituent, Michael Jones—a leader in climate change education—attended Baku as part of the COP delegation with a delegation of students from across the UK as part of the climate change challenge, leading on efforts to educate policymakers on the impacts of climate change on the next generation. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the next generation deserve better and a Government who—unlike the Opposition, who flip-flop and show no consistency on the issue—have a firm commitment to deliver a reduction in emissions with the international community?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. [Interruption.] Conservative Members are chuckling away but the truth is that this is a very serious and important point. The British people want us to act. They want us to act across parties on this issue. They know it is a massive threat to our country because they see it in their daily lives and they see it on the news, and they also know it is the biggest opportunity for our country. We believe it. The Conservatives used to believe it; I am afraid they are way out of step with the British people.
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