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COP26
15 November 2021
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyTaxationBrexitForeign AffairsBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 62
At a Glance
Boris Johnson 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:
Government Statement
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, made a statement on the outcomes of COP26 in Glasgow. He praised the success of the conference despite initial predictions that it would fail, highlighting several key achievements: the commitment to phase down coal, agreements by automotive companies and cities to stop building or banning carbon-emission vehicles respectively by 2035, setting up a new model for climate finance triggering trillions from the private sector, and forming a coalition to protect forests around the world. He emphasised that COP26 has brought the world closer to limiting global warming to 1.5°C and thanked the team led by Alok Sharma for their tireless efforts. However, he acknowledged that there is still more work to be done.
Greg Hands
Con
Hammersmith
Question
The MP asked about the impact on developing countries if developed nations do not meet their £100 billion per year commitment to climate finance by 2023, and inquired whether the Chancellor will present a supplementary Budget to address this shortfall.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that the UK has fulfilled its commitment, with over £4.5 billion provided since 2020. He expressed confidence that developed countries will meet their pledge and reassured that any financial needs would be addressed through ongoing economic planning.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley
Question
The MP questioned the adequacy of COP26 outcomes in meeting necessary emission reductions, citing commitments as inadequate compared to required levels. He urged for more effective action to be taken.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged that while progress was made, there is still much work to do. He emphasised the importance of international cooperation and continued efforts towards ambitious climate targets.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
The MP enquired about the implications for Wales if Scotland decides to proceed with Cambo oil field development, and questioned whether this would hinder the UK's climate goals.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the Government is committed to net zero targets and highlighted ongoing discussions on energy security versus environmental concerns. He emphasised the importance of balancing these issues while adhering to climate commitments.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith
Question
The MP inquired about the status of UK's pledge to deliver £100 billion in climate finance by 2023 and requested transparency on how these funds are being utilised.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that the UK is on track to meet its financial pledges and noted the importance of transparent reporting mechanisms to ensure accountability.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Question
The MP raised concerns about potential conflicts between climate commitments and economic interests, specifically mentioning support for controversial energy projects like Cambo.
Minister reply
The Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to net zero targets and emphasised the need for a balanced approach that considers both environmental sustainability and economic stability.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
I join the Prime Minister in extending our thoughts across the House to the people of Liverpool who are in shock at yesterday’s events, and pay tribute to the response of the emergency services... The Budget was delivered in the week before COP26 as world leaders began to arrive on these shores, but it did not even mention climate change. It gave a tax break for domestic flights and fell woefully short of the investment needed to deliver green jobs and a fair transition.
Minister reply
If I may say so, Madam Deputy Speaker, that was the usual pathetic attempt by the Leader of the Opposition to suck and blow at once... As a result of everything that we have done at COP, we have been able to keep 1.5° alive.
Question
I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. May I first echo the remarks made by my right hon. Friend about the appalling attack in Liverpool? The thoughts of everybody in the House are with the people of Liverpool... With the COP presidency, the UK has a critical role over the next year in ensuring that the commitments made are delivered on and in bringing the intransigent countries—notably, China, Russia and India—back round the table to raise their sights on what they are willing to achieve. Will he agree with that and set out what the Government’s immediate plans are for that work?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right about the vital importance of the private sector... She is also right in what she says about the role of the COP presidency, because my right hon. Friend the COP26 President continues in his office for a year, and we will use that period—working with our Egyptian friends, who take over for COP27—to hold our friends and partners around the world to account for what they have promised.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Question
Expressed support for COP26 President's efforts in Glasgow, but criticised the UK Government's leadership. Highlighted Scotland's role in climate justice by pledging funds for loss and damage to help vulnerable countries, urging the Prime Minister to reverse cuts to international aid. Asked about updating NDC commitments, investing £71 million into tidal stream energy contracts for difference process, and backing carbon capture and storage projects like Acorn.
Minister reply
Acknowledged Scotland's role in COP26, stated that the UK is compliant with 1.5°C target based on existing pledges, expressed interest in supporting tidal power industry through contracts for difference, and reaffirmed support for Acorn project.
Greg Clark
Con
Islington North
Question
Congratulated UK leadership at COP26, emphasising the importance of scientific progress and innovation to secure climate ambitions. Asked about opportunities to advance these goals over the coming year.
Minister reply
Announced increased investment in R&D towards green technology with £22 billion allocation under national Council for Science and Technology.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
Expressed disappointment at the Glasgow agreement falling short of expectations, urged the Prime Minister to show leadership by cleaning up City of London's fossil fuel investments.
Minister reply
Highlighted UK's success in securing an end to international financing of coal projects and its commitment to abandoning exports of hydrocarbons.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
Asked the Prime Minister to redouble efforts using remaining UK presidency to share excess vaccine doses with developing countries, citing safety and internationalism benefits.
Minister reply
Noted that vaccines were not discussed at COP26 but highlighted UK's contributions to global vaccination efforts through Gavi and COVAX.
George Howarth
Ind
Great Grimsby
Question
Asked the Prime Minister to review cases of potential terrorists, especially in light of Liverpool attack. Also asked for a strategy on bringing countries currently outside climate agreement into it.
Minister reply
Stressed importance of cross-referring data points to predict terrorist activities better and stated commitment to ensuring that developing nations feel represented.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Asked about addressing international shortage of critical minerals needed for semiconductors, which is crucial for meeting 2035 targets. Inquired about growing UK's silicon valleys to reduce reliance on China and Taiwan.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issue in supply chains and expressed ongoing efforts with American friends and partners around the world.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent North
Question
Paid tribute to COP26 President Alok Sharma, asked about imposing a climate filter on tax super deduction for clean projects like Cambo oilfield. Also inquired if UK will use IMF special drawing rights windfall to scale up climate finance.
Minister reply
Announced that the 125% super deduction would aid companies investing in new clean and green technology.
Question
One of the most significant diplomatic achievements of COP26 was getting 130 countries to agree to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. However, previous commitments like the New York declaration in 2014 failed due to lack of enforcement mechanisms. How will this time be different?
Minister reply
This time it will differ because financial institutions and companies have pledged not to invest in products grown as a result of deforestation. Customers, account holders, and consumers worldwide can hold these businesses accountable by taking their investments away if commitments are not honoured.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Question
The steel industry needs support to decarbonise, but the Budget did little. What practical steps will the Government take to help the industry?
Minister reply
Despite Labour’s past poor management of energy issues, the Government has provided £600 million in relief for high energy costs and a £315 million fund to transform steel towards clean, green energy.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
Question
What reassurance can the Prime Minister give that agreements made at COP26 will bring brilliant jobs to South Leicestershire as part of the green deal economy?
Minister reply
Since the 10-point plan, £15 billion of investment in green technology has been secured and many tens of thousands of high-wage, high-skilled jobs have been created. This is the future.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
What will the Prime Minister do to bring China, Russia, Australia and others on board to phase out coal production? Will there be no British financing for new fossil fuel industries?
Minister reply
The UK is abandoning export finance for the hydrocarbon industry. Regarding coal in India, despite language changes from “phase out” to “phase down,” global peer pressure will intensify and change will happen faster.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
What confidence can we have that multilateral agreements are being observed by closed societies?
Minister reply
The Paris rulebook contains provisions for transparency and agreement about how to measure progress around the world. Even in closed societies, there are consumers and people willing to protest whom leaders take seriously.
Question
Will the Prime Minister request an urgent audit by the Office for Budget Responsibility of all domestic fossil fuel subsidies with a view to phasing them out as soon as possible?
Minister reply
The Government are moving beyond coal by 2024 and do not ask others to do anything we are not doing ourselves.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Are world leaders getting ahead of public opinion? People in Gainsborough South West ward are worried about their heating bills now, and manufacturers worry about competitiveness with China as more regulations are imposed. Do we represent them?
Minister reply
We must be realistic but see the cost of renewable energy fall rapidly, like wind energy falling 60% since 2015. This green industrial revolution is a massive opportunity for us to benefit people across the country.
Question
Does the Prime Minister agree that we need all-party support to involve every community, town and city in a campaign to keep 1.5° alive?
Minister reply
If full support is offered from the Opposition Benches, it would be right.
Question
Does the landmark agreement to support South Africa’s just transition show that even economies heavily dependent on coal can seize a bright and sustainable future?
Minister reply
South Africa is building an international coalition for decarbonising its energy system, with countries like the UK coming together to do this.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
Critiques the government's plan for decarbonising home heating as insufficient, questioning why it is far short of what is required.
Minister reply
Asserts that if investment and market support are sustained, the cost of heat pumps will decrease significantly.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Question
Congratulates the Prime Minister on achievements at COP26, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming.
Minister reply
Agrees that UK farming is leading in setting green standards.
Question
Asks for a commitment from the Prime Minister to match Scotland's £500 million just transition fund, ensuring workers are not left behind.
Minister reply
Replies that the UK is investing billions in transitioning to a clean economy and creating new jobs.
Question
Congratulates the Prime Minister on leadership at COP26 and suggests investment in rail schemes as part of this transition.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of rail schemes and promises more details later in an integrated rail plan.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Critiques lack of delivery on the BioYorkshire project and asks for action to support a green new deal.
Minister reply
Asserts that more jobs are being created as part of the UK's green industrial revolution.
Robert Jenrick
Reform
Newark
Question
Asks how to ensure continued meaningful involvement of business in COP discussions.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that private sector investment is crucial and new country platforms will be essential.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Question
Suggests reopening the UK-Australia trade deal to demonstrate leadership on climate commitments.
Minister reply
Defends the UK's commitment to net zero and asserts it as a major accomplishment of COP26.
Question
Requests faster regulatory changes to streamline offshore energy transmission networks.
Minister reply
Agrees on need for optimal grid connections and promises work with the regulator to address this.
Question
Asks what support will be provided for aviation industry in decarbonising flights without financial burden.
Minister reply
Promises support for sustainable aviation fuel and electric planes as part of the jet zero initiative.
Question
Compliments the Prime Minister's work on COP26, asking about commitment to continue pressure on coal-dependent nations.
Minister reply
Commits to using country platforms and private sector involvement to reduce reliance on coal.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Question
Critiques lack of progress in defunding polluters, asking for clear actions on GFANZ initiative.
Minister reply
Suggests peer pressure from consumers and investors will influence companies to follow net zero targets.
Question
Asks how the UK will ensure that progress reports hold countries accountable for climate change commitments.
Minister reply
Stresses importance of transparent data in holding leaders accountable for their climate obligations.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Calls for urgent climate justice reparations, asking if fossil fuel developments will be ruled out.
Minister reply
Asserts that the UK is moving beyond coal from 2024 and not investing in fossil fuels.
Question
Asks for details on how the UK will ensure climate finance reaches developing countries.
Minister reply
Promises to hold developed nations accountable and close to reaching $100 billion target by 2023.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
The Prime Minister has dodged the issue of turning the City of London into the capital of green investment. The UK represents 1% of global emissions, but the City of London’s corporations and financial institutions represent 15% of global emissions. Where is his plan to ensure they commit to 1.5° and zero emissions?
Minister reply
The City of London is already the global centre of green investment, and its lead is continually growing.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Question
Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking the COP26 President’s Parliamentary Private Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble (Katherine Fletcher)? There could have been no better Back-Bench champion to gently corral and encourage us all to fight for the environmental issues she holds so dear. Will the Prime Minister give further information on the £210 million for small nuclear technology? If we had left it to the Opposition, we would have no nuclear technology or nuclear capacity to speak of.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I pay tribute to the COP26 President’s brilliant Parliamentary Private Secretary, and I confirm that we are putting another £200 million into supporting small modular reactors.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Question
The UK’s leadership of COP26 was undermined by climate hypocrisy at home, but we still have the COP presidency and a change of policy now could still influence others. In that spirit, will the Government stop drilling in the Cambo oilfield, scrap plans for a new coalmine in Cumbria and cancel the tax cuts on domestic flights—yes or no?
Minister reply
This country has already shown unbelievable leadership in powering beyond coal, and the countries of the world can see that.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
As my right hon. Friend is aware, northern Lincolnshire and the Humber are major centres of our renewable energy sector and can play a major part in spearheading our achievement of the COP26 targets. Will he reaffirm the Government’s support for developing the industry, not just in northern Lincolnshire but elsewhere, which would have the added benefit of levelling up many of our industrial areas?
Minister reply
Yes. I congratulate my hon. Friend on what he is doing to support low-carbon industries across the north-east. That has immense potential throughout the country—he is quite right.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Question
I noticed that the Prime Minister mentioned Aristotle in his statement, so could he explain how breaking his own manifesto promise to the poorest people in the world, those worst affected by climate change, could possibly be consistent with the actions of the virtuous person?
Minister reply
Because we have not. What we are doing is continuing—[Interruption.] Opposition Members must really retract this, because what we are doing is not only committing £11.6 billion, which I announced and which was a doubling of the previous commitment, but adding, as soon as we can, as soon as the numbers will allow us, another £1 billion, taking it to £12.6 billion. That is one of the biggest commitments to tackling climate change around the world of any country in the world and the hon. Member should be proud of it.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
I congratulate the Prime Minister and the COP President on the incredible achievements at the COP summit. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is science, technology, research and development that will get us through this mess, but that that is going to need a huge workforce skilled in STEM? Could he update the House on the work the Government are doing not only to improve and enhance careers and training in STEM, but to break down barriers for women and people from marginalised backgrounds to taking on those careers?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is making a very important point. We have not only to train more people up in STEM—and we are investing hugely in skills— but to make sure that people with existing skills in hydrocarbon-intensive means of propulsion are trained to work with EVs and other low-carbon technologies. That is what we are doing as well.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
We know that the COP26 agreement is the bare minimum in terms of what needs to be done to tackle the climate emergency already claiming lives around the world. Last week, Wales joined as a core member of the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance. At the same time, news came that the Conservative party, under this Prime Minister, has pocketed £1.5 million in donations from oil and gas interests. He can redeem his reputation by joining Wales, France, Denmark and others as a core member of the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance—will he?
Minister reply
I thank the right hon. Lady for that, but we are going beyond hydrocarbons faster than virtually any other country in the world and she should be proud of that.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Question
I pay tribute to the COP President for his work. Will the Prime Minister now indicate how he is going to put pressure on the major coal producers and importers, and indeed how he will use UK trade policy to achieve that?
Minister reply
We will hold all coal producers, importers and mining countries around the world to their commitments to reduce our global dependence on coal. They have made them in black and white in the Glasgow climate pact and we will hold them to account.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Question
I am sorry to cast a shadow on the mutual backslapping here today, but there has been widespread concern that the Prime Minister simply lacked the leadership we needed to see, given that he had the presidency of COP26 and the G7 chair. Does he not recognise that we are a country that now routinely threatens to renege on its international commitments and that has cut international aid—what it is putting back does not make up for the cut and we are one of the only G7 countries to do that? Does he not recognise that he simply lacks the credibility and trust that we currently need to lead on this issue and that he needs to sort that out?
Minister reply
The Opposition have had a very tough job this afternoon, because they have tried time and again to congratulate the UK Government on achieving a success at COP26, while simultaneously attacking the UK Government for whatever failings they see——I think they should stick with their initial script.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
I was pleased to attend a part of COP26 as a member of the Environmental Audit Committee. It was a particular privilege to meet members of the Ugandan delegation who took part in an event that we hosted. I have to say that the Prime Minister’s statement is completely tone deaf in the face of the frustration and desperation of countries of the global south at the failure of this COP to deliver on the 12-year-old promise of $100 billion a year for climate finance. Will he accept that his decision to persist with indefensible cuts to UK aid effectively tied the hands of his own negotiating committee on this vital issue?
Minister reply
The hon. Member is talking total rubbish. We have doubled—[Interruption.] No, Opposition Members literally do not know what they are talking about. We have doubled climate finance for developing countries. The reason why the vulnerable countries accepted the deal, finally, was because we have got a commitment to $100 billion. Yes, I would have liked it faster, but it is there in black and white. Maybe she has not read it.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol South
Question
Bristol was the first local authority in the country to declare a climate and ecological emergency. We have set out a city-wide strategy to make Bristol carbon neutral, climate resilient and wildlife rich by 2030—the nuts and bolts, if you like—but Bristol and other cities need investment, and the Government’s funding model currently makes us compete with other cities. The UK Government cannot reach their targets using that funding model, so will they look at it again and help us with the private investment that we need to make a massive contribution to the Government’s own national targets?
Minister reply
I thank Bristol for what it is doing. We are committed to regional plans for net zero. It should be possible within the funding envelope that Bristol has, but we will certainly look at it.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Question
The Department of Energy and Climate Change, which was under Lib Dem leadership until 2015, was a huge driver towards decarbonisation across the board. There are now renewed calls to bring back such a Department, but there seem to be sources in the Treasury who are against such a move, saying that it would become
“the biggest begging bowl in Whitehall outside the NHS”.
Does the Prime Minister agree that we should bring back the Department of Energy and Climate Change, or does he agree with the Treasury?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is totally wrong, because we need to integrate business into the fight against climate change. That is the way to do it, as we have done with wind power, and we also need nuclear power.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
The Government say they are now following the science—they said it during covid and they are saying it on climate—but over the weekend they managed to alienate the entire scientific community of this nation with leaks to the press saying that the UK is about to be wrenched out of three different multibillion-pound international research and infrastructure projects that tackle exactly those two things, because they are backed by the EU scientific budget. Will the Prime Minister confirm that we need a joined-up approach on these things and that it is not about settling old scores? Can he tell us that those reports are truly media tittle-tattle?
Minister reply
I do not know quite what relevance that has to COP, but the UK is investing massively. We have doubled our commitment to R&D, funding for science is going up to £22 billion and we have set up a new advanced research and invention agency, which is based on the model of the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency and is unlike anything that any previous Government have done.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Question
At COP26, the Prime Minister said we were at one minute to midnight; I am afraid his clock might be a bit slow. The action that has been set out is not enough. Aristotle asked whether hope is a waking dream; I would really like to hear from the Prime Minister that he is going to stop Cambo and halt the Cumbria coalmine.
Minister reply
The reason why we have been able to get considerable success at COP is because the whole world can see that we are moving beyond coal and the pace at which we have done it.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Question
The review commissioned by the Treasury and carried out by Professor Dasgupta of the University of Cambridge highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions to tackling environmental challenges. Will the Prime Minister tell us what the UK Government did at COP26 to pursue those conclusions and whether they will be pursued at the COP15 biodiversity talks?
Minister reply
At COP26, we had an immense agreement on forests which are vital habitats for wildlife. We negotiated with our Chinese partners that will continue through till their Kunming biodiversity summit. It is the first time that high climate science and nature have been integrated.
Question
A potential barrier to accelerated move towards 100% zero emission vehicles, what are the British Government doing to ensure that the grid will be resilient enough to meet expected demand?
Minister reply
One of the most important things is ensuring we have enough baseload electricity, which is why we are investing in nuclear.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
In order to meet our commitments on net zero, the Humber energy estuary will play a vital role. Why, in all the briefings over the weekend about the integrated rail review, we in the Humber will get nothing in terms of greener, faster connectivity?
Minister reply
We will ensure that this country builds on their lead with clean, green technology around the whole country.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
In the run-up to COP, the Prime Minister spoke about Kermit the Frog. On the first day of COP, he spoke about cows belching before disappearing up a closie for the next two weeks, instead focusing his time on trying to cover up Conservative party corruption.
Minister reply
The Opposition should recognise that COP26 has been a success and thank all the countries involved.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Question
Each COP agrees on more ambition, but we are yet to see action. The world is currently on track for 2.4°—a death sentence for millions and devastation for the planet.
Minister reply
This Government are leading the way in cutting support for hydrocarbons overseas.
Question
Glasgow is a proud host of COP. Will the Prime Minister act to support and incentivise investment in innovative start-ups such as Katrick Technologies in my constituency, which is growing in developing world-leading green energy technology?
Minister reply
Where it is useful and appropriate for us to give support, we will.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
I met the Speaker of the Tuvalu Parliament who told me that donor countries had provided enough finance for them to build a seawall, but the consultants from the donor countries could not agree on how to build the seawall.
Minister reply
The next Egyptian presidency of COP will focus on adaptation measures.
Question
The Glasgow climate pact included a request that countries return next year with stronger targets for 2030, yet within hours the Australian Government had issued a statement saying that they were not intending to strengthen their target.
Minister reply
Electorates and consumers around the world are now going to hold Governments to account for promises made.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
The UK has some of the draughtiest homes in Europe. A national retrofit programme would not only drive down emissions, but create thousands of jobs and save families £400 on annual energy bills.
Minister reply
We are committed to retrofitting homes around the whole UK and supporting households across the country to go green.
Question
Rather than self-congratulations today, surely the time to judge the historical significance of the Glasgow COP will be in 2050. Does the Prime Minister recognise that climate change will cause more migration and conflicts?
Minister reply
We are making commitments now to avert crisis in the next decade.
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer criticised the COP26 outcome, stating that while progress was made, it falls short of what is required. He pointed out that pledges for 2030 represent less than 25% of the ambition needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C. He criticised the Prime Minister's boosterism which emboldened big emitters and noted shortcomings in commitments on coal phase-out and climate finance. Starmer called for rebuilding trust with developing countries, reversing cuts in overseas aid, putting right mistakes like the trade deal with Australia, ruling out new coal mines and oil fields at home, and addressing the lack of climate action in recent Budgets.
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