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COP26
20 April 2022
Lead MP
Afzal Khan
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationClimateEnergy
Other Contributors: 26
At a Glance
Afzal Khan raised concerns about cop26 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
Asks about the potential contribution of domestic solar energy to meeting COP26 commitments, raises concerns about forced labour in Xinjiang and its impact on UK solar capacity expansion. Emphasises the importance of addressing this issue to ensure the integrity of renewable projects.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Highlights concerns about forced labour in Xinjiang and its impact on UK solar capacity expansion. Calls for measures to prevent complicity with Uyghur genocide.
Supports the idea of placing solar panels on buildings rather than using agricultural land, citing an example from Wiltshire where vast solar farms are planned without public support.
Critiques government for previously devastating the solar industry by withdrawing support and doing nothing to ease planning restrictions. Asks for more supportive measures in the future.
Asks about the role of businesses in implementing COP26 goals, specifically focusing on her constituency's potential for rooftop solar generation.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Questions the assessment made by the government regarding the role of local energy companies in supporting small businesses towards net zero. Highlights the importance of local authorities' insight into opportunities such as solar.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Critiques inconsistency in the government's approach to renewable energy, citing cuts to feed-in tariffs that decimated the industry previously. Advocates for a clear strategic plan.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Raises concerns about taxing energy-intensive industries too heavily, suggesting this could export carbon emissions to other countries. Asks the COP26 President to talk with his right hon. Friend on help for such industries.
Inquires if the COP26 President will work with the agriculture sector to pursue COP26 goals, praising UK's sustainable farming practices and highlighting farmers' willingness to play a role in climate protection.
Critiques Facebook for promoting ads containing false information about climate change during COP26, asking the President to take action against such misinformation. Suggests businesses should prioritise planet over profits.
Asks what progress will be made on tackling climate change in the COP26 presidency year.
Questions the potential effect of the Glasgow climate pact on tackling climate change.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Thanked the Minister for his visit to Winchester and highlighted the positive engagement of young people in climate change discussions. Asked what more can be done to empower these young individuals during the presidency year.
Asked if tackling climate change is economically viable given that the UK accounts for only 1% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and questioned whether the costs incurred by businesses and government will lead to economic competitiveness issues.
Peter Grant
Lab
Tottenham
Questioned the Minister on the loss and damage mechanism and urged the UK Government to follow Scotland's lead in committing funds to it. Raised concerns about exported pollution affecting poorer nations.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Asked for funding support for carbon capture, just transition fund match-funding, and TNUoS reform, highlighting the need for a fair approach to climate change in Scotland's northeast communities.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Pressed on why the Government persist with planning policies that block onshore wind and questioned the lack of energy efficiency funding despite the cost of living crisis, urging for more presidential power to address these issues.
Inquired about steps taken by the Minister to conserve forests and woodlands following COP26 declarations. Highlighted the importance of woodland wildlife conservation in North Norfolk.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Asked what more can be done to put pressure on Governments worldwide, particularly Brazil, to prevent deforestation carried out by UK companies.
Inquired about steps taken to ensure rising international gas prices do not lead to an increase in coal usage.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Asked what steps are being taken to advance green new deals such as the BioYorkshire project, highlighting the need for technology advancement.
Inquired about observations from Brazil's economic shift towards lower carbon emissions and its potential contributions to renewable energy technologies.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Expressed concern over the relocation of fabrication work for floating wind projects to the UAE, urging the government to secure UK-based manufacturing jobs.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Asked about conversations regarding international climate finance for the poorest countries as the Foreign Secretary writes an international development strategy.
Agreed with the need to transition from North Sea oil and gas towards net zero emissions by 2050, emphasising that it should be a managed transition rather than immediate extinction of the industry.
Called for more financial commitment from the government in addressing environmental concerns and achieving climate goals.
Asked whether new oil and gas fields are consistent with meeting climate change commitments during the transition period.
Government Response
Solar is a UK success story with over 99% of capacity deployed since 2010, aiming for fivefold increase by 2035. Addresses concerns about forced labour in Xinjiang and outlines steps to prevent complicity. Emphasises the importance of rooftop solar installation across various premises. Emphasised the importance of involving young people in climate change processes, highlighted $130 trillion private sector investment in net zero, and discussed the Glasgow dialogue on loss and damage. He also addressed energy efficiency measures, coal usage concerns, and green new deal projects. Emphasised the commitment to reducing emissions, expanding renewable energy, securing funding for clean energy transitions, allocating £30 billion towards green investment, and implementing a managed transition from North Sea oil and gas.
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