← Back to House of Commons Debates
Australian Bushfires
09 January 2020
Lead MP
Heather Wheeler
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ClimateForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Heather Wheeler raised concerns about australian bushfires 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Minister for the Commonwealth, the UN and South Asia provided an update on the bushfires in Australia. She noted that at least 25 people had died and over 1,900 homes destroyed due to the fires. Meteorologists predict that conditions will worsen before they improve as peak summer temperatures have yet to arrive. The UK has been in contact with Australian authorities to offer assistance, including deploying an expert support team of specialists from defence, health and fire services. She emphasised that this aid is based on requests by Australia's emergency responders and reflects the close relationship between the two countries.
Fabian Hamilton
Lab
Leeds North East
The Member expressed sympathy for those affected by the fires, praising the efforts of Australian firefighters and volunteers. He highlighted the environmental impact, noting that up to a billion animals may have perished. Hamilton argued that global warming is exacerbating such crises and criticised leaders like Trump, Bolsonaro, and Morrison who deny its severity. He advocated for a 'globalisation of the green new deal' to address climate change.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
The Member welcomed the Minister's statement and questioned whether more could be done through regional partnerships, leveraging Commonwealth ties, and collaborating with other nations on global forest fires.
Heather Wheeler
South Derbyshire
12:20:00
Wheeler responded by highlighting the Government's commitment to climate change as their top priority. She mentioned that they are working closely with other countries and organisations, such as COP 26, to promote ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
John Howell
Henley
12:20:00
Howell inquired about the number of British citizens affected by the fires in Australia.
Heather Wheeler
South Derbyshire
12:20:00
Wheeler reported that no UK nationals have been killed and only one has been in touch for advice. She also mentioned that £4 million had been put aside for councils to bid for electric vehicle charging points.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Carmichael urged the Government to take a leading role in learning from these incidents, but criticised them for postponing their review of net zero carbon targets until autumn.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Nokes asked what individuals could do as the Government's practical support was mentioned. She emphasised that constituents were expressing affection and support for Australia in Romsey and Southampton North.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
McCarthy criticised the Minister for not mentioning climate change once in her statement, highlighting that it is crucial given Australia’s high per capita emissions. She urged the Government to show leadership and work with Australia on decarbonisation.
Oliver Heald
North East Hertfordshire
12:20:00
Heald suggested that it was time for close allies like the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand to come together to support Australia. He also warned about potential scammers during this crisis.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
West highlighted the role of Parliaments in addressing long-term issues like climate change, mentioning that Greta Thunberg's visit to Parliament has encouraged people to take up this mission. She also praised the work being done by the all-party group on Australia.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Cartlidge mentioned National Grid’s announcement about exceeding fossil fuels with zero-carbon sources, questioning whether it was appropriate to lecture Australia during their national emergency. He also affirmed the UK's readiness to provide help if requested.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
The suffering in Australia is almost unimaginable. Scott Morrison has committed around AU$2 billion for bushfire recovery, but fossil fuel subsidies amount to AU$29 billion annually. Public money is spent on accelerating the climate emergency both in Australia and the UK (£10 billion). The Minister should stop funding fossil fuels.
Heather Wheeler
Con
South Derbyshire
Responded to queries regarding government's commitment to address climate change, particularly with respect to foreign policy review. Asserted that climate change is a top priority for embassies and mentioned green finance deals.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Expressed shock at the Minister's lack of mention of climate change in her statement, highlighting UK Export Finance’s support for fossil fuel projects. Asked for assurance to end such support.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Asked if climate change would be featured in the upcoming foreign policy review and suggested considering it as part of a global review.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Welcomed UK Government’s support for Australia and asked about the duration of the experts' stay assisting with bushfire recovery efforts.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Noted the extensive area affected by fires in Australia, stretching from Newcastle to London, and enquired about specific assistance that could be offered given the UK's expertise.
Pauline Latham
Con
Mid Derbyshire
Suggested working with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to raise awareness of climate change issues among Australian Members of Parliament.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Expressed his connection to Australia and urged prioritising climate change at upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM).
Richard Drax
Con
South Dorset
Asked for clarification on the causes of bushfires in Australia, particularly regarding the role of arson.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South
Concerned about the Australian Government's approach to climate change and asked how the UK can persuade their sister party in Australia to take it seriously.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Asked for updates on Foreign Office travel advice regarding potential disruptions due to bushfires affecting planned trips to Australia.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Suggested coupling industrial strategy with climate diplomacy, focusing particularly on decarbonising power generation in Australia. Highlighted the UK's potential role in sharing expertise and lessons learned.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Congratulated the Deputy Speaker and expressed concern over the bushfires in Australia, particularly mentioning the loss of up to 500 million animals. Asked what assistance the UK can provide in terms of ecological and veterinary support.
Heather Wheeler
Con
South Derbyshire
Responded that she has asked similar questions about veterinary and agricultural support, noting that the deployment team will ask Australia what kind of help it needs. Emphasised the importance of making COP26 a success and using UK expertise to assist emerging countries in decarbonisation.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Congratulated the Deputy Speaker and highlighted that global warming has worsened the bushfires. Asked if UK foreign policy will make international co-operation on efforts to decarbonise its highest priority.
Flick Drummond
Con
Meon Valley
Asked about medical assistance being provided by the UK, both currently and in future, particularly for issues such as smoke inhalation caused by bushfires.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Congratulated the Deputy Speaker on resuming her post. Welcomed the immediate support given to Australia and asked about reforestation efforts in future.
Robert Courts
Con
Oxford West and Abingdon
Asked if the RAF can provide aviation assistance based on equipment capabilities and strategic air lift capacity, similar to what Singapore and New Zealand have offered.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Commended the support being offered by the UK to Australia and suggested that new hon. Members should join the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for parliamentary engagement, especially around climate diplomacy.
Mary Robinson
Con
Croydon North
Congratulated the Deputy Speaker on her re-election and expressed concern about future environmental issues Australia may face after fires subside. Asked if there will be talks with Scott Morrison's government about long-term support.
Alan Brown
SNP
Central Ayrshire
Stressed the climate change emergency issue, noting that the US and Australia rank poorly in the 2020 Climate Change Performance Index. Asked how the UK is pushing for policy changes in those countries.
Tom Randall
Lab
Bolsover
Complimented the bravery of Australian firefighters attempting to tackle the bushfires.
Rachel Maclean
Lab
Rhondda
Thanked the Minister for her efforts in aiding people and properties affected by fires. Acknowledged an initiative led by Redditch Pets at Home donating up to £100,000 nationally to the World Wide Fund for Nature.
Government Response
The Minister reiterated the UK's commitment to environmental protection initiatives within the Commonwealth, such as the Blue Charter and Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. She also noted that the UK will chair COP26 and is increasing international climate finance from £8.5 billion to £11.6 billion. Wheeler emphasised the Government’s priority on climate change and mentioned the work being done at COP26 with Italy, highlighting the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40% since 1990. Responded to various queries regarding climate change priorities, fossil fuel subsidies, foreign policy review, and travel advice for UK citizens. Mentioned green finance deals and commitment to renewable energy projects. Responded to several questions regarding medical assistance, reforestation efforts, and international cooperation on decarbonisation. Emphasised UK’s commitment to help Australia based on its specific needs.
▸
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.