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COP26
20 July 2022
Lead MP
Richard Thomson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationClimateEnergy
Other Contributors: 29
At a Glance
Richard Thomson 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
Asked about the steps the Government plans to take to help ensure the long-term effectiveness of COP26 outcomes after a new Prime Minister and an Egyptian presidency. Questioned the commitment to climate change action.
Philip Dunne
Con
West Dorset
Asked about the ability of the current government structure to achieve ambitious targets such as a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton, Pavilion
Expressed concern over the High Court ruling that the UK’s net zero strategy was unlawful and asked if the President of COP26 shares her concerns about this message being sent to other countries.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Agreed with Alok Sharma's statement that extreme hot weather serves as a stark reminder of climate change realities and the need for resolve in achieving COP26 objectives.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Challenged those who suggest tackling climate crisis can be delayed, calling it irresponsible and economically illiterate. Also highlighted that candidates in the leadership contest have expressed views counter to the COP26 agenda.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Edinburgh North and Leith
Asked about specific steps the Government plans to take on mobilising finance for loss and damage, as recommended by the Climate Change Committee.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Inquired about discussions with Cabinet colleagues and counterparts in other wealthy nations regarding mobilisation of finance for loss and damage. Highlighted Scotland’s world-leading approach to funding loss and damage.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Asked about objectives for the remainder of the UK's COP presidency, emphasising the need for serious and immediate action on climate change including phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Our schools often set a great example in raising awareness of the climate emergency. On my recent visit to Ysgol Rhyd-y-Grug, pupils expressed their concerns about deforestation in the Amazon and species extinction. We must urgently halt this loss and support a 'net zero with nature' test for public spending decisions.
The COP26 President should redouble efforts to persuade large, developed countries to tackle climate change better, especially in light of the plight of low-lying island nations which need these countries to take action.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Asks the COP26 President to make a moratorium on waste incineration one of his objectives for the remainder of his presidency, following publication of new targets for incineration by DEFRA.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
The Government’s climate plans are inadequate and unlawful; warns that leadership will be questioned if COP26 President cannot get the UK's house in order, despite some candidates' lip service to net zero.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Requests an equitable approach to green rhetoric on homes that ensures everyone benefits from energy-efficient homes, especially the most deprived households. Asks about discussions with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Raises concerns about failed government programmes on home insulation and energy efficiency, questioning if there is any confidence in tackling this major cause of emissions to meet net zero by 2050.
Highlights the need for action on energy-efficient homes and buildings, noting that most existing buildings are grossly inadequately insulated. Calls for effective measures to address this crucial agenda.
Welcomes plans for a hydrogen village by 2025 and encourages the Business Secretary to back such projects, particularly in Redcar and Cleveland, as part of efforts to decarbonise home heating.
Richard Graham
Con
Bosworth
Argues that targeting energy efficiency improvements at homes with the highest energy bills could be a very effective way to improve insulation, reduce energy use and enhance energy efficiency.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Urges the Minister to put pressure on developers to ensure new homes are built to modern efficiency standards to improve energy efficiency.
Acknowledges the importance of projects such as the Whitetail project in Teesside, which involves Allam cycle electricity generation technology, and asks if this should be fully compatible with net zero commitments and improved energy security.
Suggests endorsing a green new deal that brings together job creation, social justice and tackling climate change as a way to tackle both the cost of living crisis and achieve net zero goals.
Julian Sturdy
Con
York Outer
Proposes achieving net zero through low-carbon technology and scientific solutions such as gene editing, rather than measures that could dampen economic growth and depress living standards.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Asked why the Government are delaying their national energy company obligation 4 programme, potentially leaving 56,000 households without support.
Inquired about discussions with colleagues to act on the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation for further support aligned with net zero goals to help with energy bills.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Noted that a court found the Government's net zero strategy unlawful due to lacking 5% of required emissions reductions for the sixth carbon budget and questioned how they will rectify this.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Complimented Alok Sharma on his role as COP26 President and requested him to address the issue of Chinese lanterns being a fire hazard in tinder-dry conditions.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Praised Sharma’s leadership at COP26 but urged reconsideration on approving the new runway at Heathrow, citing it as a major carbon emitter.
Suggested that rising fuel prices present an opportunity to decarbonise fleets and vehicles in key sectors like social care.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Asked whether the COP President will engage with financial sector heads such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the London Stock Exchange about managing stranded assets.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Discussed establishing a carbon price for the free market to invest in low-carbon alternatives and suggested a carbon border adjustment mechanism as a necessary step.
Expressed appreciation for Sharma’s work at COP26 and encouraged him to continue grassroots efforts on climate change across towns, cities, and communities if he survives political turmoil.
Government Response
Emphasised that the UK is working closely with Egypt to ensure commitments made at COP26 are delivered. Stressed the importance of continuing work towards achieving mitigation, adaptation and finance goals up to COP27. Responds to various questions regarding climate change policies, international commitments, energy efficiency measures and technological innovations. Defends the government's efforts in tackling climate change. Responded to questions about energy efficiency measures, the unlawfulness of parts of the net zero strategy, carbon price establishment, and other issues related to climate change.
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