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COP26
01 December 2021
Lead MP
Caroline Lucas
Brighton, Pavilion
Green
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ClimateEnergy
Other Contributors: 25
At a Glance
Caroline Lucas 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
Emphasised progress made through establishment of dialogue and operationalisation of Santiago Network, acknowledged importance of discussions with parties for consensus on outcomes, highlighted efforts in involving civil society and youth groups. Responded to multiple queries regarding future climate action commitments, progress made at COP26 on alternative fuels and hydrogen technology, indigenous peoples' representation, peatlands emissions, and direct aid to affected communities. Responded to concerns regarding access to finance, tidal range technology, air pollution reduction since 2010, empowerment through 'Together for our Planet' campaign, funding behind sustainable aviation fuels, and mechanisms for monitoring deforestation pledges.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton, Pavilion
Asked what steps the Government plans to take to ensure COP27 delivers finance for loss and damage. Raised concerns about the downgrading of a proposed finance facility to a dialogue at COP26.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Inquired if discussions will be held with the President of COP27 on continuing negotiations for a loss and damage facility. Highlighted disappointment from developing countries over lack of specific support.
Asked about steps being taken to ensure there is a loss and damage facility in place before COP27.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Congratulated the President of COP26 on his work, inquired about discussions with Treasury regarding support for threatened countries.
Greenwich and Woolwich
Asked if the COP26 unit will be fully funded to deliver all mandated work programmes from Glasgow agreement. Also enquired on continued support for the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Inquired about steps taken to ensure civil society and youth groups were included in COP26 process. Emphasised importance of young people's voices being heard through digital methods.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Praised President of COP26 for his work, asked about discussions with Egyptian Government on civil society groups attending fringe meetings at COP27.
Asked for an assessment of the outcome of COP26 and congratulated primary schools for participating in a COP26-inspired Christmas card competition.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Kettering
Inquired about Department's assessment of outcomes from COP26, highlighted coverage of net zero targets by 90% of global GDP and emissions.
Paul Blomfield
Lab
Sheffield Central
Asked for an explanation on what will be done in the next year to ensure a breakthrough at COP27, not only to keep 1.5° alive but to achieve it.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Asked the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to outline his intentions regarding climate change actions over the next year. He highlighted that current pledges are insufficient to meet the 1.5°C target set in Glasgow.
Inquired if the current government structure is adequate for delivering a more ambitious nationally determined contribution at COP27.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Complimented the Secretary of State's efforts in Glasgow but pressed him to take stronger actions, such as rewriting trade deals with Australia and halting fossil fuel projects like Cambo oilfield and Cumbria coalmine.
Asked whether the absence of a commitment on a global just transition from fossil fuels was a disappointment following COP26.
Inquired about progress made at COP26 regarding alternative fuels and hydrogen technology, particularly focusing on Teesside's role in future energy production.
Asked what plans the government had to promote indigenous people’s voices during their presidency of COP. He emphasised the importance of treating these communities as equal partners in decision-making processes.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Queried about the climate leadership concerning the UK's peatland emissions and asked for an update on progress towards limiting global heating below 2°C or to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
Asked the Secretary of State to commit to stopping projects like Cambo and the new coalmine in Cumbria, which he stated are necessary for keeping temperature rises below 2.4°C.
Congratulated the Secretary of State on his work at COP26 and invited him to meet with young people in Warrington during his presidency.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Asked what actions are being taken to ensure aid reaches communities most affected by climate change, specifically mentioning the plight of the Wampis community in the Amazon.
Asked about the prospects for tidal range technology in north Wales following COP26.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Critiqued the Environment Bill passed during COP26 for not including legally binding targets for air quality despite calls from environmental groups and constituents. Asked about future measures to improve air quality.
Asked how individuals can be empowered globally to make choices that align with climate goals following the success of the North Devon climate summit.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Inquired about mechanisms in other countries for mandating synthetic fuels mixed with conventional aircraft fuel to achieve net zero emissions, and sought a meeting regarding this matter.
Welcomed the pledge to end deforestation by 2030 made at COP26 by 130 countries covering 90% of global forests and asked about monitoring mechanisms and consequences for non-compliance.
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