The debate focuses on the Scottish Government's significant steps towards tackling climate change, including ambitious renewable energy targets, a 'just transition' away from fossil fuels with support for affected communities, and infrastructure development for carbon capture and storage. The UK Government's assistance is crucial for projects like tidal energy growth and carbon capture facilities to help Scotland achieve its net zero target by 2045.

Welcomed the debate on involving devolved Administrations in COP26. Acknowledged the importance of UK reserved powers and the role of communities, businesses, and third parties like the Centre for Alternative Technology. Stressed the need to put politics aside before COP and focus on international negotiations led by the UK Government. Emphasised the role of nuclear energy and small modular reactors in achieving climate goals.

Stressed that combating climate change requires collaboration at all levels, including local authorities, regional Mayors, devolved Administrations, the UK Government, and the private sector. He acknowledged the Prime Minister's initiative to establish a COP26 devolved Administrations ministerial group, highlighting its importance in demonstrating leadership to the world. The MP also mentioned the need for realistic yet ambitious targets, citing successful reductions in coal power and investments in renewables as examples of progress.

The scale of the climate crisis is huge, with COP26 approaching. Wales and other devolved nations need to be more involved in decision-making processes leading up to COP26. The Welsh Labour Government has taken significant steps towards sustainability, including the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015. The UK Government must work closely with devolved nations to ensure effective action on climate change is taken, particularly for developing nations and women who suffer most from climate impacts.

COP26 will take place in Glasgow this year and aims to unite the world in tackling climate change. The UK leads the way by being the first G7 country to legislate for net zero emissions by 2050, and COP26 will be inclusive of all parts of the UK including Scotland's role in preparing for the event. There is a collaborative effort between UK Government and devolved administrations to ensure an effective summit.

The summit to be held in Glasgow is a pivotal moment for climate action. It is also an opportunity to showcase the devolved nature of our Union. The Prime Minister’s comments suggest that the UK Government recognises the importance of devolved Governments in the success of COP26, but actions speak louder than words. Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish Governments have been leading in climate mitigation efforts. However, this Government's handling of COP26 has shown a conflict of priorities or disorganisation. The Scottish Government had to fund the UN conference of youth after Westminster refused. Devolved nations must continue to lead as they step in when Westminster fails.

It is important for Unionists to speak up for the benefits of the United Kingdom. The UK is a world leader in tackling climate change, being the first major economy to set a legally binding target to achieve net zero.

Order was called by the hon. Lady for an intervention questioning whether the speech was relevant to the motion.

The Liberal Democrats advocate for urgent climate action and argue that the Government should set clear direction and timelines, such as an end date for the national gas grid. The speaker emphasises the importance of international cooperation, highlighting the need to include devolved Administrations in COP26 negotiations and beyond. She also points out the disparity between central and local government actions on declaring a climate emergency, urging the Government to engage more with local authorities and empower them in climate action initiatives.

Agrees with Wera Hobhouse that transitioning must not leave people unemployed; it is crucial to reskill individuals for future job opportunities. This intervention supports the speaker's emphasis on sustainable employment transitions during climate change mitigation efforts.

Critiques the lack of a net zero strategy document from the Government, expressing disappointment in the delay of direction-setting for Whitehall Departments and overall government targets. This intervention highlights ongoing concerns about the absence of comprehensive guidance for achieving UK's net zero ambitions.

Seeks further clarification or elaboration from Wera Hobhouse, although the specific nature of this request is not detailed in the provided text. This intervention suggests a desire to understand more about the points made regarding climate policy and action.

I am delighted to be taking part in this debate and grateful to the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute (Brendan O’Hara) for securing it. I thank the hon. Gentleman for his interjection. It is perhaps an issue that is slightly above my pay grade. Perhaps the Minister would like to comment on it. The point I make though is that, regardless, as a member of the UK, Northern Ireland will be represented at COP26, but I take on board his point that he is making in a very genuine fashion. The Climate Change Committee has noted that 'the UK climate targets cannot be met without strong policy action across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, tailored for national, regional and local needs' and that the 'governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will have an increasingly important role to play in tackling climate change.' I think we can all agree on that. I represent the Welsh constituency of Clwyd South, so I am determined that Wales, like the rest of the UK, should rise to the climate change challenge and play its part in this international conference. For example, there is the huge hydro-electric potential of small-scale energy products, such as the Corwen community hydro power scheme in my constituency of Clwyd South.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving way. It is good that some people are up for discussion across the Chamber. It is wonderful to hear the glowing tributes about the devolved authorities from Members on the Government Benches—it is great to hear it—but if the Democratic Unionist party gets its way and pulls down the Stormont institutions, there will not be anybody at COP26 from Northern Ireland. If the hon. Gentleman thinks that this is an issue that the Government really care about, and if he thinks that they really want to engage with local devolved authorities and ensure that they actually exist, will he ask them to step in now and ensure that no single party can rip down the institutions of the Good Friday agreement when we are trying to deal with issues as important as this?

The hon. Member is making some excellent points about local community initiatives. Does he agree though that some things need the impetus and leadership of the UK Government, particularly on waste? At the moment, there are still 3 million items of non-recyclable packaging being produced every single day.

Ms. Brock noted Scotland's significant contributions to renewable energy, such as marine offshore wind and green hydrogen production. She pointed out that in the last year, 97% of Scotland’s electricity came from renewable sources and highlighted the importance of a just transition for workers affected by the shift to net zero.

Ms. McMorrin intervened to support Ms. Brock's points, stressing the necessity of involving all parts of the UK in the negotiations themselves during COP26.

It is an absolute pleasure to respond to this debate on behalf of the Opposition. I congratulate the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute on securing it. Let me state at the outset that I hope we will have more debates on COP26 in the remaining 46 days before the conference, as it is a critical moment in the fight against global heating. The House has not been given sufficient opportunity to engage properly with the summit due to its significance. We must consider whether the balance of engagement and collaboration between the UK Government and devolved Administrations might be improved upon over the coming weeks. I urge colleagues on the SNP Benches to come out unequivocally in opposition to the Cambo oilfield development, as it is at odds with Scotland’s net zero target. Ultimately, we must do more if each of the devolved Administrations is to exploit climate action opportunities and require a comprehensive net zero strategy from the UK Government.

Unfortunately, energy is still reserved to Westminster, and the decision on Cambo rests with the Westminster Government. The First Minister has sent a letter to the Prime Minister questioning that and asking that the project be reassessed and, until that reassessment has been made, the development paused or halted. That is an important point to make.

Acknowledged the contributions from all sides and congratulated Brendan O'Hara for securing the debate. Discussed four key goals of COP26: securing global net zero, adapting to protect communities, mobilising finance, and working together. Emphasised collaboration with devolved Administrations and international partners.

Highlighted the importance of community involvement beyond blue and green zones at COP26, mentioning SWG3 hub sponsored by The New York Times as an example.

Asked about the inclusion of devolved Administrations in the negotiating team for COP26.