Indicated assent.

Asked if the opinions gathered in Northern Ireland were similar to those from other regions, emphasising the need for collective progress towards achieving net zero goals.

Congratulated Chris Skidmore on the report and suggested that a delivery authority is needed to manage the complex strands of net zero implementation.

Asked about the importance of sustainable aviation fuel in decarbonising the aviation sector, noting its potential economic benefits alongside environmental advantages.

The UK must act decisively on climate crisis, instead of prioritising short-term political gain. Mentions examples such as Heathrow expansion, onshore wind developments, home insulation programme failures, EV charging infrastructure gaps, and inadequate support for local authorities. Emphasises the need for national leadership and funding from the Government.

Mr. Leigh congratulates his right hon. Friend on an excellent report about net zero, emphasising the need to approach these issues holistically without making huge errors. He discusses the potential negative impact of taking agricultural land for solar farms and highlights that tenant farmers are being put out of business while financial compensation is going to landlords. He also raises concerns about the scale of wind turbines proposed in rural areas compared to urban areas, suggesting that offshore wind projects should be prioritised over onshore ones due to less opposition. Mr. Leigh further addresses issues related to public transport in rural areas, arguing for better transport links and questioning the practicality of banning conventional cars by 2030 and hybrids by 2035 without proper infrastructure. He also discusses the challenges faced by low-income households with older housing stock and calls for a more holistic approach that considers global carbon emissions.

The climate emergency continues to threaten our global future and requires action in solidarity. The UK is on course to overshoot its greenhouse gas emissions target twofold, with only a fifth of Climate Change Committee targets for 2022 achieved. The Government's commitment to net zero is insufficient; more persuasion is needed at both local and national levels. Global warming has led to increased floods, wildfires, droughts, famines, and heatwaves. The UK lags behind G7 counterparts in green investment and energy security due to reliance on oil and gas. Community electricity bills could empower community-owned schemes but are hindered by current regulations. A net zero delivery authority is needed for coherent policy implementation across Government departments. A £150 billion public investment programme would further support the transition.

Congratulates the review on carrying out a timely task of reviewing the UK's legal commitment to net zero emissions and calls for proactive action based on its findings. Highlights the importance of offshore wind industry in delivering net zero, citing significant job opportunities and growth potential. Advocates for a strategic approach to planning process, grid development acceleration, stable fiscal framework with compelling capital allowances, reform of contracts for difference auctions, and government's role as a catalyst for investment in infrastructure.

I congratulate the right hon. Member for Kingswood on compiling this review—an impressive feat in such a short period of time since it was first requested. The focus on net zero is long overdue, and I emphasise its economic importance. Sadly, recent years have seen failures to seize opportunities, such as the decision to do away with the zero-carbon homes legislation. This has led to new houses being built without essential energy-saving features like EV charging points and solar panels. There is a significant opportunity in power generation through onshore wind, offshore wind, domestic solar, and localised modular reactors. Power distribution must be improved, as National Grid plays a crucial role. The transport sector lags behind, with the lack of an EV gigafactory at scale in the UK compared to other nations. We need an overall strategy for charging points across the country. I commend the right hon. Member for Kingswood's report and urge us not to miss out on this critical opportunity.

Committed the work done by Chris Skidmore for securing the debate. Disagreed with Edward Leigh but agreed with most others. Welcomed the independent review of the report despite previous Prime Minister's stance against levies and net zero commitment. Emphasised the need to align existing carbon budgets to hit 2050 target, citing Scotland’s achievements in renewable energy like EV chargers, wind power, woodland planting, and just transition commission. Noted lack of Scottish Government references in report. Highlighted the importance of stable long-term policies with funding against previous policy changes such as Cameron's 'cutting green crap'. Picked on inconsistencies in UK Government policy towards CCUS and Acorn project. Disagreed with the report’s emphasis on new nuclear, citing risks and high costs. Advocated for investment in other technologies like energy efficiency and storage.

Expressed disappointment at Conservatives’ embrace of outdated nuclear technology over tidal energy potential, particularly in Scotland but across the UK.

Welcomed the new Minister and thanked Chris Skidmore for authoring the review. Emphasised the need for the Government to act as a catalyst in promoting green technologies, highlighting that current actions are insufficient. Criticised recent Prime Ministers' lack of climate action and the government's failure to support green industries and make technologies affordable for households. Called for urgent response from the UK government regarding international investment in green industries, such as the US Inflation Reduction Act, and warned about the loss of British industry due to inadequate support. Stressed that Labour would invest significantly in a greener future if the current government fails to act.

The Minister highlighted the UK's progress towards net zero, acknowledging the creation of a new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. He noted that the UK became the first developed country to set a legal commitment to reach net zero by 2050 in 2019. The Government published a ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution and a net zero strategy setting out pathways to meet carbon budgets and net zero targets, followed by an energy security strategy in April 2022. Since then, due to the economic changes caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there has been significant rise in energy prices and inflation. The Government appointed Chris Skidmore to chair a review of approaches to meeting the net zero target, which was published on January 13, 2023, recognising that net zero is creating new opportunities for change. The Minister emphasised progress made by leveraging international leadership at COP26, increasing green technology jobs and investments in offshore wind energy, with ambitions to deliver up to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030 including 5 GW floating offshore wind capacity. He also highlighted policies like the Energy Bill, which will help achieve a cleaner, more affordable, and secure energy system. The Minister acknowledged ongoing concerns about EV charging networks and food security but reassured that plans would be published to address these issues while meeting net zero ambitions.

Matt Western raised a point of order regarding the closure announcement of the Rosalind Franklin laboratory in his constituency, resulting in the loss of 670 highly-skilled jobs with only four weeks’ notice. He requested clarification on the status and costs of the laboratory from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Nigel Evans echoed Mr Speaker's belief that parliamentary written questions should receive timely responses. He conveyed concerns about Matt Western not receiving a proper response from the Department regarding the closure of the Rosalind Franklin laboratory.