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G20 and COP26 World Leaders Summit
03 November 2021
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyTaxationClimateBrexitForeign AffairsBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Boris Johnson raised concerns about g20 and cop26 world leaders summit 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 opened his statement by discussing the historical significance of climate change commitments, emphasising the importance of turning words into action to achieve the goal set at the Paris summit in 2015. He highlighted the urgency of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C and discussed the consequences if temperatures were to increase beyond this threshold. The Prime Minister detailed the outcomes of the G20 summit, including commitments by 18 out of 20 countries towards net zero emissions by mid-century, agreement on a minimum corporation tax rate of 15%, and plans for global vaccine distribution. He also mentioned Britain's substantial contributions to these efforts, such as providing over 30 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and doubling its climate finance commitment to £11.6 billion. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the ongoing COP26 summit in Glasgow would continue this momentum, aiming to reduce emissions by phasing out coal, promoting cleaner cars, securing more investment for green initiatives, and ending deforestation.
Sarah Olney
LD
Barnet and Camden
Question
How will the Government ensure that COP26 delivers on the promises made at the G20 summit, especially regarding phasing out coal and securing more investment for green initiatives?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister acknowledged that while progress has been made, there is still much to do. He emphasised the importance of continuing discussions at COP26 to deliver concrete actions on phasing out coal and securing significant investments in green technologies. The Government remains committed to pushing for robust commitments from all nations.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
What specific measures is the Government taking to ensure that developing countries receive adequate financial support during COP26?
Minister reply
The UK has doubled its climate finance commitment, providing £11.6 billion to assist developing nations in reducing their emissions and adapting to climate change impacts. The Prime Minister also mentioned launching a clean green initiative aimed at helping the developing world build new infrastructure sustainably.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
How does the Government plan to leverage the outcomes of COP26 to promote further global collaboration and innovation in tackling climate change?
Minister reply
The UK will continue to act as a catalyst for international cooperation by fostering dialogue between countries, encouraging private sector investment in green technologies, and promoting knowledge sharing. The aim is to ensure that the innovations developed during COP26 can be scaled up globally.
Angela Rayner
Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Question
The MP questioned whether the Prime Minister's approach was sufficient to address climate change and vaccine distribution, citing concerns about UK commitments lagging behind other nations. She urged for urgent action on both fronts.
Minister reply
The PM defended his government’s actions, highlighting reductions in CO2 emissions and stressing that investment in overseas development aid remains at £11.6 billion. He also cited significant contributions from the UK to global vaccination efforts and partnerships with companies like Oxford AstraZeneca.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
The MP asked the Prime Minister to ensure that wasteful spending is curtailed in order to create a more competitive economic environment.
Minister reply
The PM agreed, noting the UK's low corporation tax rates and measures like the 125% super deduction for companies investing in infrastructure.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Question
The MP questioned whether the G20 summit had effectively built momentum for COP26 and raised concerns about commitments from larger nations being caveated. He also asked about concrete actions agreed upon to address famine in Afghanistan and increase vaccine roll-out.
Minister reply
The PM acknowledged the need for further progress on climate finance, highlighted Japan's $10 billion pledge for developing countries' clean energy initiatives, and assured that humanitarian relief efforts are being coordinated regarding Afghanistan.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
To what extent does the success of the entire enterprise depend upon the promised finance to the developing world?
Minister reply
Very largely.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
I thank the Prime Minister for all his efforts to try to make COP26 a success. For many of us, halting climate change has been the passion of our lives... May I ask the PM to confirm reports that China’s proposed contribution to cutting emissions goes nowhere near fast enough or far enough?
Minister reply
I want to thank the right hon. Gentleman... What is interesting is that when China made the commitment to stop overseas financing for coal, it had an instant impact.
Question
What will we do if we do not get agreement on article 6 and persuade countries such as China to properly price carbon into their economies?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend knows a great deal about this issue, and he is right to draw attention to article 6.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
People live in terror of another Aberfan. I just wonder whether he would be prepared to meet me, the leader of the local council and the other Members from Rhondda Cynon Taf, specifically to discuss how we can make sure that all those tips are safe.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman... This is something that I do want to try to fix, but it is primarily something that the Welsh Government should be addressing themselves.
Question
Is China’s commitment to reach peak coal in 2030 an aspiration or a binding target?
Minister reply
I think what President Xi Jinping would say is that China keeps its promises. We will have to hope that that is true.
Question
Will he now take this opportunity to put real credibility behind his stirring words and commit now, finally, to reversing the decision on the Cambo oilfield—yes or no?
Minister reply
What I can tell the hon. Lady is that we continue to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels of all kinds.
Question
When will the power of the room be on those countries to sign up to the pledge as well?
Minister reply
Now. We are just going to keep going. This is a rolling series of negotiations. We are ringing people up the whole time.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
The Prime Minister has not yet mentioned water resilience, yet it is at the top of the agenda for many of the countries most affected by the climate emergency. What is his assessment of funding for water resilience projects?
Minister reply
We support water resilience projects around the world, as part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Question
Does the Prime Minister therefore not agree with me that the Chinese have a doubly important moral obligation to stick by their commitment to reduce the production of coal in China?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is completely right... I am afraid that will offer opportunities not just for China but ourselves.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Can the Prime Minister understand their frustration and disdain that those who tell them that they must bear those burdens fly into Glasgow in private jets and ferry around town in gas-guzzling cavalcades?
Minister reply
First of all, this country is moving to zero-emission vehicles. The right hon. Gentleman talks about gas-guzzlers; we are supporting jet zero aviation.
Question
Will he reassure my constituents that the goal of achieving net zero is not a burden to be borne, but an opportunity to be grasped to create new innovative jobs and new sectors in which we can lead the world?
Minister reply
Our green industrial revolution alone, the £26 billion we are putting in, generates 440,000 more jobs.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
I welcome the statement today, but does the Prime Minister believe that it is important to encourage more people to use rail, instead of other carbon-intensive transport methods?
Minister reply
There is a very clear climate reason for putting up duty on long-haul flights... In the case of our own United Kingdom...
Bill Wiggin
Con
North Herefordshire
Question
Given the success in ending deforestation, will he meet to discuss using institutions such as Kew Gardens to reverse desert spread through better planting of trees?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks Bill Wiggin and agrees that Kew Gardens has played a crucial role historically in transplanting plants beneficially. He is willing to take up the discussion with him.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Will the Prime Minister ensure that there is a ringfenced pot for tidal stream energy development in the next round of contract for difference options?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister acknowledges the point made by Alistair Carmichael and agrees to look into it again without committing absolutely.
Lichfield
Question
May I invite him to visit Rolls-Royce, which is developing a 100% sustainable fuel jet engine for aviation, and to support the gigafactory proposal in Coventry?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks Michael Fabricant and confirms that the Cabinet recently visited Bristol with Rolls-Royce. He will also look at what can be done actively to support a gigafactory in Coventry.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill
Question
The UK has $20 billion from special drawing rights, but why are we being slow and sluggish in recycling that money back to the IMF to help poorer countries?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister acknowledges the point about SDRs but emphasises the prioritization of cash support for poorer countries.
Mark Jenkinson
Con
Tewkesbury
Question
With developing nations, we should not risk sustaining their poverty by asking them to consign coal power to history without providing alternatives. Does he agree with exporting UK small modular reactor technology as an opportunity?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks Mark Jenkinson and agrees that helping the developing world leapfrog is economically attractive and can create British jobs.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Edinburgh North and Leith
Question
Will he challenge those voices from his supporters who are increasingly objecting to green taxes and the so-called ropey economics of net zero?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister acknowledges that public sentiment is changing positively towards climate action. He believes it is economically beneficial for the country.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Question
Using the clean, green finance initiative, what opportunities are there to help south-east Asian nations transition from coal-fired energy to renewable energy?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks Richard Graham and agrees that financing and de-risking projects in these countries will stimulate private sector investment.
Jack Dromey
Lab
Birmingham Erdington
Question
Does he understand the dismay of workers at GKN-Melrose who are facing plant closure and production export to Poland? Does he agree we need a supply chain here in Britain for an electric future?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister agrees that we need a manufacturing ecosystem here with competitive energy costs. He acknowledges the concern about job loss.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Question
Will he appeal to community groups and schools for involvement in planting trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks Jason McCartney and agrees that everyone should plant a tree for the jubilee. He aims to contribute by planting 36,000 hectares of trees annually.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
To help small island developing states, would access to finance and blue finance for marine conservation really help them?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister acknowledges the need to help these countries and highlights that they have been successful in attracting massive sums of investment.
Geraint Davies
Lab
Croydon North
Question
Six per cent. of global GDP is spent on fossil fuel subsidies, which is destroying our planet, and China spends more on them than the United States, Russia and the European Union combined. Will the Prime Minister take leadership in reducing fossil fuel subsidies? In particular, will he support the carbon border taxes that are being promoted by the EU?
Minister reply
I think that our steel companies have done a great job in trying to reduce their carbon footprint. That is extremely hard for steel corporations, because they are one of the biggest emitters that we have. We must move towards zero-carbon steelmaking, while keeping a steelmaking industry in this country. The measures that the hon. Gentleman has described—such as the carbon border adjustment levy—are certainly worth considering.
Margaret Ferrier
Ind
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
Question
The United Nations Secretary-General has said that it will be very difficult to secure the commitment needed for the 1.5° goal, and, in relation to new fossil fuel excavations, that “we don’t need more oil and gas”. Will the Prime Minister tell us what engagement his Government are having with the oil and gas industries to support them in their efforts to decarbonise sustainably?
Minister reply
We talk all the time to the oil and gas industry, which has a great and proud history in this country. I believe that the future for the industry—for hydrocarbons—is moving beyond the old combustion approach and towards the extraction of clean power. That is the direction in which we should be going.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Question
It seems that we are in the last chance saloon if we are to make an impact on limiting the effect of climate change. Does the Prime Minister share my disappointment that China and India have failed to match many other countries’ commitments to reach net zero by 2050, placing their targets 10 and 20 years later? Does he agree that if the remainder of COP26 is to be a success, we need to get some movement from them on that as well?
Minister reply
We will continue to push on the net zero dates. Although I agree with the hon. Gentleman’s characterisation of those countries’ targets, I think we also need to look at what both of them are saying about what they will do pre-2030. As the right hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Angela Rayner) pointed out, that is the key issue on which we need to focus.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Question
In his statement, the Prime Minister said: “We have the technology to do what is necessary: all that remains in question is our resolve.” With that in mind, why do the British Government not extend the favourable financing model being proposed for nuclear energy generation to other technologies, such as the proposed Swansea tidal lagoon?
Minister reply
As the hon. Gentleman knows, I was very attracted to the Swansea tidal lagoon model, but it is extremely expensive for the energy it produces. If they can produce plans that show a more economical way of doing it, I shall be only too happy to study them.
Sam Tarry
Lab
East Ham
Question
Earlier today at COP26, young people from the group Green New Deal Rising tried to ask the Chancellor directly why he was continuing to subsidise fossil fuels and the fossil fuel industry to such an extent. Instead of engaging with those young people, whose generation could be the first to die from climate change rather than old age, the Chancellor promptly banned them from attending his talk. I wonder whether the Prime Minister and the Chancellor could instead engage with that generation of young people, and move on from greenwash towards a green new deal to raise Britain up and meet our climate obligations.
Minister reply
It is precisely for the sake of that generation—with whom, by the way, every member of this Government and, I am sure, Members throughout the House engage all the time on this issue—that we are doing this. I am actually starting to think that we can fix this.
Shadow Comment
Angela Rayner
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Chancellor welcomed the progress made at the G20 summit but criticised the Government's approach as lacking urgency. She emphasised that urgent action is needed to reduce emissions in this decade, not just set long-term goals. Rayner pointed out that while the Prime Minister welcomed commitments for future actions, there were critical gaps in current efforts to halve carbon emissions by 2030. She also highlighted concerns about the Government's failure to influence other countries effectively and mentioned specific issues such as the lack of a clear stance on coalmines within the UK borders and the negative impact of trade deals with Australia. Rayner further criticised the reduction in development aid funding, which would have supported vital climate projects, and pointed out that Britain is lagging behind in sharing surplus vaccines with poor countries despite its vaccine success.
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