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Action on Climate Change and Decarbonisation
05 July 2022
Lead MP
Philip Dunne
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineEconomyClimateEnergy
Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
Philip Dunne raised concerns about action on climate change and decarbonisation in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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
Mr Dunne thanked the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee and other members for supporting the debate to discuss the Government's spending plans on climate change and decarbonisation. He noted the publication of the Climate Change Committee’s annual progress report, highlighting major gaps in programmes designed to deliver the UK’s climate goals. Despite the cost of living crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he argued that the Government must take immediate action to align with their net-zero ambition. Mr Dunne emphasised the need for immediate action rather than deferring substantive steps and spending to a future date or electoral cycle. He also highlighted concerns about how effective current spending will be in achieving the climate goals and called for further elaboration on plans for driving energy efficiency in existing homes.
Philip Dunne
Con
Wells
Mr Dunne discussed the importance of immediate action to address climate change, noting that waiting for technology to solve issues is not a strategy. He highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of current spending and called for further elaboration on plans for driving energy efficiency in existing homes. Mr Dunne also raised the need for a thorough review of impediments to introducing innovative schemes that encourage home improvements.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton, Pavilion
Ms Lucas intervened to emphasise the need for a proper home insulation programme, arguing that despite allocated funds, the Government has not delivered an effective programme. She advocated for a more comprehensive approach that could achieve better economies of scale in service delivery.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Mr Fuller intervened to discuss community-led schemes, arguing that costs are high due to the Government's focus on individual decisions rather than a more comprehensive approach. He suggested that this could lead to better economies of scale in service delivery.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Asked about the street-by-street proposal, raising concerns over individual homeowners' willingness to change their houses without being forced. He inquired how public policy would address those who do not want changes.
Agreed with the need for incentives and financial support while suggesting a requirement for homes to improve energy performance certificates before they are sold or rented out as a way to tackle the issue raised by Richard Fuller.
Chris Skidmore
Con
Kingswood
Stressed that net zero is not just an environmental goal but also a pathway for economic growth. Criticised the use of creative accounting to justify spending on fossil fuels as part of the net zero budget. Called for longer-term, cross-party financial mechanisms and more private sector investment.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Questioned how net zero can be a net benefit to the economy without economic benefits, suggesting that putting certain costs on balance sheets could act as a brake on growth unless revenue opportunities expand or efficiencies are achieved.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Acknowledged the pressures faced by farmers due to increased costs of diesel and fertiliser, suggesting that some may need more time before fully committing to net zero objectives due to financial constraints.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Stone discussed the impact of climate change in his constituency, emphasising the need for fairness in compensation for affected households. He called for retrospective grants to existing wind farm areas, improved railway transportation methods for turbine parts, and advocated for offshore wind farms and green freeports. Stone also highlighted the economic benefits of local spending on renewable energy projects.
Afolami supported decarbonisation efforts while acknowledging challenges posed by rising oil and gas prices. He emphasised the importance of not demonising major energy companies, advocating for international cooperation to ensure these firms have the confidence to invest in renewable energy initiatives.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Emphasised the importance of oil firms in establishing large-scale floating offshore wind energy generation.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Discussed the economic implications of achieving net zero emissions, questioning its impact on growth and emphasising the need for innovation to reduce costs. He highlighted the high cost of decarbonising home heating (£20,000 per household), suggesting community-based initiatives and patient capital investment as potential solutions.
John McNally
Lab
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Congratulates Philip Dunne on securing the debate; highlights a Climate Comic produced by children in his constituency to raise awareness of climate change. Criticises the UK Government's energy and security strategy for failing to address the cost of living crisis adequately, particularly regarding energy efficiency and insulation. Notes criticism from Ofgem and KPMG regarding the inadequacy of the strategy. Emphasises Scotland’s potential as a global net zero energy hub if supported by effective policies.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
I am relieved to see the Minister still in his place. The Government's climate strategy is failing, as stated by the Climate Change Committee and the Public Accounts Committee. There are major failures in delivery programmes and no clear plan for funding net zero transition. Businesses need a sense of direction from the Government. Labour proposes £6 billion a year for retrofitting homes to slash emissions and cut bills. The plug-in grant for electric vehicles was scrapped, and carbon capture and storage funding is being reduced despite its potential. There are missed opportunities in investing in gigafactories, EV charging points, and energy-intensive industries. Labour will invest £28 billion annually to tackle the climate emergency and support people's transition to greener choices.
Emphasised the need for conditionality in future green investment schemes, suggesting that money spent now should be conditional on future green investments, such as using a voucher scheme to deliver home improvement measures. This would ensure real change on the ground and benefit people during the gas crisis.
Lee Rowley
Con
Warley
Mr Rowley highlighted the importance of a methodical approach to achieving net zero emissions, stressing that the Government's plan has been lauded both domestically and internationally. He acknowledged that challenges remain but emphasised the need for consistent progress over the 29-year timeframe.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Ms Lucas intervened to question the Government's approach, expressing concern about delays in delivering good policies and the pursuit of new oil and gas projects that could undermine climate goals. She urged the Minister to listen to expert advice from the Committee on Climate Change.
Philip Dunne
Con
Ludlow
In his closing remarks, Mr Dunne acknowledged the broad consensus across the House regarding the need for a more rapid implementation of strategies outlined in the net zero approach. He emphasised that despite delays due to the pandemic, it is now imperative to accelerate progress.
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