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COP26
14 July 2021
Lead MP
Andy Carter
Warrington South
Lab
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Climate
Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Andy Carter 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 Response
Responded to questions about youth advisory councils, school engagement with COP26, emissions reduction targets, international aid spending cuts, export opportunities in energy and renewables, public engagement initiatives for COP26, human rights matters relating to climate change. Responded to inquiries about geothermal energy support, COP26 plans, and emphasised global leadership in driving up ambition for climate action. Also mentioned the high-level programme for COP26 and invited parliamentarians to register their interest. We are supporting accredited delegates through vaccination programmes and engaging with all major emitters on climate action. Despite the aid cut, we will spend more as a percentage of GNI than several other developed nations. We aim to encourage clean energy transitions globally.
Andy Carter
Lab
Warrington South
Asked about the steps taken to consult with civil society and youth groups for COP26, and highlighted the role of children in schools as young climate leaders.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Inquired about measures to ensure that COP26 outcomes commit to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C and questioned if UK emissions accounting includes all consumption-based emissions.
Greenwich and Woolwich
Emphasised the need for sustained engagement from senior members of government to achieve COP26 goals, stressing that there is a real risk of failure without increased ambition and action.
Critiqued the UK's current carbon budget as being disproportionate compared to its population and questioned the Government’s commitment to global improvement as seen in France during the Paris agreement.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Asked whether Britain has lost credibility when asking developing nations to decarbonise, following a cut to UK international aid spending.
Explored the potential for COP26 to boost exports in energy and renewables to emerging markets, highlighting opportunities for marine energy technologies and investment in Asia.
Elliot Colburn
Lab
Carshalton and Wallington
Asked about plans for MPs to engage with and attend COP26, and proposed hosting a local climate event to discuss greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies.
Inquired about preparations for discussing ethics and human rights matters related to climate change at COP26 and suggested the UK Government should establish a climate justice fund like Scotland’s.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
Asked the COP President about Cornwall's lead in geothermal energy development, urging for a renewable heat incentive to back this technology.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Inquired about steps to ensure all COP26 parties uphold their commitments and suggested mechanisms to quickly address issues that may compromise objectives.
Asked how the Government will help ensure climate action supports the economic recovery from the covid-19 pandemic.
Paul Blomfield
Lab
Sheffield Central
Inquired about steps to promote both climate action and a green recovery from the pandemic ahead of COP26, highlighting issues related to steel production decarbonisation.
Vicky Foxcroft
Lab
Lewisham North
Emphasised the need for bold actions at home for UK’s credibility as COP president and questioned the Government's ability to meet their carbon budgets.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Critiqued current climate pledges and pressed the Minister on steps taken to pressure large emitters to increase their ambitions ahead of COP26.
Sheryll Murray
Con
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Asked for an assessment of opportunities for green businesses at COP26, specifically promoting Cornwall’s potential in the lithium industry.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Sought to ensure that parliamentarians from around the world are accredited and able to attend COP26, encouraging greater participation.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
The UK’s cut in aid spending is undermining its leadership role on climate action. Delivering support to developing countries is crucial for building a coalition that pressures large emitters, particularly China, which needs to ensure its emissions peak and decline by 2025.
The disparity in greenhouse gas emissions is stark. While Kettering generates renewable electricity locally, 25 megacities globally contribute significantly to urban emissions, with the majority located in China. The COP26 President should focus on clean energy transitions for these cities.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is pressing ahead with recommendations from an independent commission, a fantastic example of local climate action. The COP26 President should join in congratulating such initiatives.
Cleaning up air quality globally presents a major challenge. Local engagement in London highlights the opportunity for UK leadership at COP26 to promote cleaner urban environments through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society.
The Prime Minister’s 10-point green industrial revolution plan aims to level up across the UK. However, concerns remain about the extent of investment and job creation in Wales under this initiative.
There are real concerns regarding the accommodation arrangements for COP26 by MCI Group due to high costs and unreasonable terms. Delegations from developing countries with small budgets could be deterred from attending, which should be addressed.
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House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.