← Back to House of Commons Debates
Backbench Business
21 October 2021
Lead MP
Caroline Lucas
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Climate
Other Contributors: 32
At a Glance
Caroline Lucas raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The debate discusses the need for concrete actions to limit global warming to 1.5°C as committed under the Paris agreement. The UK's targets are praised but criticised for lacking actual policies and plans to deliver them. The speaker emphasises that leading by example is crucial, stressing the importance of behaviour change alongside technological advancements.
Steve Brine
Con
Fareham
The Member acknowledges the hon. Lady's work and expresses support for the Government’s net zero strategy announced recently. He questions whether there is a part of this week's outlined strategy that she would like to praise.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The Member commends the hon. Lady for bringing climate issues to the House and emphasises the importance of the UK being vocal and committed as COP26 hosts, posing as role models for others.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Fareham
The Member acknowledges the hon. Lady's commitment but challenges her critique by pointing out significant reductions in coal-generated electricity since 2013. He also highlights the necessity of new technologies for avoiding climate tipping points.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Finsbury
The Member questions the impact of cuts to international aid on future outlooks, expressing concern over worsening problems due to such reductions.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
The Member raises concerns about international climate finance being based on debt, which locks developing nations into more debt. She advocates for grants to help these countries and communities out of debt.
The Member highlights the importance of recognising historical obligations towards climate justice, particularly in relation to developed nations' contributions to climate change affecting those who have done the least to cause it.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
The Member underlines the need for proper funding and technology transfer to the poorest countries at COP26, drawing parallels with vaccine distribution during covid-19.
The Member questions whether the hon. Lady will welcome the UK’s inclusion of international aviation and maritime emissions in its sixth carbon budget, as this is a significant step towards achieving climate targets.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
It is an honour to be called so early in this most important debate. I congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion on obtaining it at such a timely moment, and on speaking with her characteristic enthusiasm and charm while not relenting on the urgency of the problem and the challenge that we face. We should ask creatively and think positively about what the Government are going to do in the future and hold them accountable for that. The IPCC’s midpoint projections show that we are planning, as a race, to put more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere between now and the end of this century than in the whole of human history so far. That is completely unacceptable, but that is the current trend. We have to change the population projections and prevent the massive decimation of species in our oceans and on our lands among the five living kingdoms of species on this planet. The machinery of government is simply not up to this.
It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Harwich and North Essex (Sir Bernard Jenkin) in probably the most important debate that we could hold on any topic, notwithstanding what we have been discussing earlier today and all the other important issues that we have to face up to. While I am getting myself into trouble, however, may I welcome the former Leader of the Opposition, my right hon. Friend the Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn). The weaknesses on the Government’s side include the question of home insulation. I wish to draw attention to the position of our great oceans in all this. There are strengths in the Government’s approach but there are also weaknesses, so I will use my time to focus on a few of those.
Julie Marson
Con
Hertford and Stortford
Paid tribute to local residents and groups working on climate change in Hertfordshire. Emphasised the importance of practical steps, such as behavioural changes, investments, car choices, home modifications, and transport habits. Mentioned the Bishop’s Stortford Climate Group and the Hertfordshire-Essex rapid transit project. Acknowledged the Government's leadership role in setting targets but stressed that more needs to be done for a sustainable future.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
Congratulated the Government on some of their work towards climate rectification but argued that current efforts are insufficient. Described the situation as needing a 'big, hard handbrake turn' rather than gently taking the foot off the accelerator. Criticised the net zero strategy for relying on non-existent negative emission technology and increasing aviation emissions beyond 2035.
Scott Benton
Con
Blackpool North and Cleveleys
Defended the UK's efforts in climate change, noting that it is the only G20 member on target to achieve its commitments. Critiqued the financial impact of transitioning to net zero, including potential tax rises and infrastructure changes, which may disproportionately affect lower-income individuals.
Taunton Deane
Disagrees with negative outlooks and believes the UK can achieve a greener future. Emphasises positive role of COP26, public support for climate goals, and progress in government policies such as heat pumps and hydrogen heating. Also discusses importance of financial sector in transitioning to low-carbon economy.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Stresses the need for democracy in addressing the climate emergency, highlighting the powerlessness felt by many people due to lack of democratic decision-making. Presents a Sheffield Hallam people’s manifesto for COP26 and calls for the COP26 president to meet constituents at No. 10 Downing Street.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Supports Government's aims but criticises current policies such as shutting down UK gasfields while importing from other countries. Highlights the issue of exporting emissions to China and argues for onshoring jobs. Emphasises the need for realism, practicality, and taking people with us in addressing climate change.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
The crisis of climate change is described as 'code red for humanity', emphasising the urgency to act on a warlike footing. The argument about finance in favour of climate action is backed by the Office for Budget Responsibility, which warns that delaying action could double national debt due to costs from air pollution, flooding and heatwaves. There's also a skills deficit hindering delivery of energy efficiency targets; retraining initiatives are proposed to address this. Imperial College’s Energy Futures Lab refutes nuclear as cost-effective compared to solar and wind power. The importance of the global green grid and key issues for COP26 such as powering past coal, finance delivery, loss and damage compensation are highlighted.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
COP26 is seen as a critical opportunity to mitigate climate change; the urgency of action cannot be overstated. The UK needs ambitious national plans and real green investment in the upcoming spending review, especially regarding decarbonisation projects like retrofitting housing and building green homes. There's also a need for funding for local government initiatives in waste management and recycling infrastructure. Emphasis is placed on reducing fossil fuel investments and enhancing climate finance commitments to poorer countries.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
The climate emergency requires international cooperation, especially post-Brexit Britain could benefit from speaking with one voice as part of Europe. The speed at which the UK moves towards net zero is crucial; delays risk allowing fossil fuel interests to dominate policy. Concerns are raised about carbon capture and storage (CCS) and blue hydrogen projects not aligning with net zero goals. There's also a call for investment in renewable energy sectors, citing potential for the UK to lead globally. The study on climate anxiety among children reveals feelings of betrayal towards government actions or lack thereof.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Glasgow North West
I am pleased to note that most Members here are well aware of the real threat and heightened risk that the climate emergency poses to the planet. We also know that with immediate concerted international action, it is still possible to limit the global temperature to 1.5°C in the long term. But the UK Government’s Climate Change Committee itself has warned that the UK’s national resilience to climate change is not keeping pace with the reality. The Scottish National party colleagues and I have been overwhelmed by the volume of constituents getting in touch to protest against the Cambo oil field, which the First Minister wrote to the Prime Minister about, asking him to reconsider the plans in the light of the severity of the climate emergency we are facing. This is a UK Government who are seriously considering opening the first deep coalmine in 30 years. I want young people, indigenous communities and disadvantaged groups to have a say at COP26, as they are the most affected.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
I welcome this debate and congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion on all the work she has done over many years to bring environmental issues to the fore in this House. We have to start at a local level because, in a sense, all politics is local. If we are to win the climate debate, it is not necessarily about convincing each other in this Chamber; it is about convincing a very large number of people that their living standards and livelihoods are not under threat by greening our environment, but that a green industrial revolution is a chance and an opportunity to create a high-skilled, high-paid workforce and to create the green energy jobs of the future. It is also about waste disposal. In my borough we manage a 30% recycling rate, which is better than it was but is nowhere near good enough.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
The world came together in 2015 to set an historic ambition to limit global warming to 1.5°. Six years on, however, we are nowhere near meeting that target and instead we are fighting to keep the ambition alive. Tackling the climate emergency can no longer be consigned as a problem for tomorrow. There is no more time for delay and no room for excuses. Central to Islam is the idea of harmony with the natural world, and the Koran states: “waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters.” It also calls on Muslims to “walk gently on the earth”. And it calls on Muslims to treat our shared home with care and reverence. With COP26 just around the corner, it is imperative that the Government lead by example. Climate action and green investment must begin at home, yet the Government have committed a measly £4 billion to fund low-carbon initiatives.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
The climate emergency is the single biggest issue we face. The UK Government risk squandering the precious opportunity to secure a global agreement on the scale of climate action needed at COP26. Local councils are delivering at pace, but they need additional resources and powers for the planning system. My constituents understand the gravity of the crisis and look to the Government for leadership.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
The climate crisis is an inequality issue, disproportionately affecting deprived communities. The UK's progress towards net zero targets is insufficient. We need action on housing, fuel poverty, affordable low-carbon warmth, the transport system, and a healthy, green economic recovery.
Kenny MacAskill
SNP
Glasgow North
COP26 in Glasgow is ironic with no formal representation from the Scottish Government. Climate change impacts the poor disproportionately worldwide. We must change our ways or face grim consequences for future generations. Wind turbines in my constituency are not bringing jobs and benefits to the local community.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
We are at a crucial moment where actions will determine whether we prevent climate catastrophe. Every fraction of degree makes a huge difference, such as between 1.5° and 2° warming. We need a green new deal with policies to end all new fossil fuel production and shift subsidies into renewables. The political will is lacking.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
I pay tribute to the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion for securing this urgent debate on climate change. Visiting schools and community groups in my Vauxhall constituency reveals how evident the issue is, especially among young people who see it as a crisis. The impact of human activity on global temperatures is making parts of the world uninhabitable, evidenced by disasters like Hurricane Maria which cost 3,000 lives and nearly £70 billion in economic damage. Such events highlight the urgent need for action to combat climate change, moving towards a truly green and sustainable planet.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
I thank my hon. Friend Member for Brighton, Pavilion for securing this debate on the climate crisis. In North East Fife, constituents frequently write to me about climate change and economic hardships, viewing these as interconnected issues of social contract and obligations to future generations. While I welcome some aspects of the Government’s net zero strategy, such as the phase-out of gas boilers, there is still much missing, including the phasing out of fossil fuels and sufficient investment in home insulation. Rural and coastal areas like my constituency face severe flooding and erosion, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action on climate change.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I commend the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion for bringing attention to climate issues through this debate. My constituents regularly contact me about these matters, highlighting the importance of global temperature rises and their impact on COP26 discussions. While recognising the challenges, I highlight positive initiatives such as ADS Northern Ireland’s work towards net zero emissions in aviation, which presents opportunities for green growth and job creation across the UK. The UK must lead by example at COP26, urging others to commit fully to nationally determined contributions and the Paris agreement. We need to address the £100 billion funding gap while ensuring the costs are spread appropriately without burdening middle-income families.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Urged the importance of COP26 as a critical moment to address climate change. Emphasised the urgency of reducing global emissions to limit warming to 1.5°C. Highlighted the alarming rate of climate change in the Arctic, Greenland's melting ice sheet leading to rising sea levels and extreme weather events globally. Called for action on loss and damage with a focus on climate justice, stressing that those least responsible are bearing the brunt of its consequences. Condemned the historical emissions disparity between developed nations and developing countries.
Greenwich and Woolwich
I respond to the debate by emphasising the importance of securing sufficiently ambitious near-term climate commitments at COP26 to keep alive the hope of limiting global heating to 1.5°C. I highlight that current country pledges would lead to a catastrophic increase in emissions, and call for transparency from the Government regarding necessary actions to achieve this goal. Additionally, I stress the necessity of addressing the $100 billion climate finance shortfall and advancing climate justice priorities for developing nations, as well as urging the UK government to exemplify robust climate action domestically.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Taunton Deane
Ms Pow emphasised the importance of COP26 in securing commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C and achieve the goals set by the Paris agreement and UN framework convention on climate change. She praised local groups and initiatives for their work on the ground, such as the Bishop’s Stortford Climate Group and the Gloucestershire tree planters. Ms Pow highlighted significant progress made since the UK took over COP26 presidency, including commitments from 100 countries to enhance their 2030 targets and $9 billion provided by the Green Climate Fund for ecosystem restoration. She also noted the doubling of international climate finance to at least £11.6 billion between 2020 and 2025, and expressed her support for nature-based solutions in tackling climate change.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
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.