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Backbench Business
19 March 2026
Lead MP
Luke Murphy
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSUkraineEconomyClimateEnergyMental Health
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Luke Murphy raised concerns about backbench business 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 debate highlights the inextricable link between climate change action and public priorities such as living standards, economic growth, and public services. The speaker emphasises that the UK is facing an oil and gas crisis rather than a general energy crisis, with household bills increasing due to price shocks from geopolitical events like the Iran war and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He argues that expanding fossil fuel extraction would not provide immediate relief on current energy prices but would exacerbate long-term climate risks. The member also points out that tackling climate change is essential for national security, economic stability, and environmental health. Furthermore, he commends the Government’s actions in rolling out solar power and investing in offshore wind capacity, while urging for more decisive action to meet ambitious targets.
Concerned about green energy companies like Bute Energy spending substantial amounts on courting colleagues in Cardiff.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Agrees with the importance of not turning our backs on net zero commitments, referencing the Fridays for Future movement that mobilized children to advocate for climate action.
Supports the land use framework published by the Government as an essential document for adaptation and mitigation strategies, protecting nature while delivering carbon reduction goals.
Reiterates the importance of accelerating towards net zero to ensure energy security and cheaper bills, emphasising that it is crucial for tackling climate change and supporting future generations.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke on securing the debate. As far as I am concerned, we should debate this all day, every day, because the message needs to be heard loud and clear out there. Those who want to delay climate action are denying our children and grandchildren a future. The science on climate breakdown is clear: 88% of heatwave days in the UK over the last few years would not have happened without the impact of climate change; there are 2,000 excess deaths a year due to excess heat; and 90% of healthcare facilities are vulnerable to overheating. We face flooding, food insecurity, rising prices, shortages, impacts on biodiversity, national security, conflict over scarce resources, migration, and uninhabitable conditions in parts of southern Europe by the end of this century if we do not take action now. Let us deal with the myths: because the UK is responsible for only 1% of global emissions, it should not take action. Actually, our global leadership through COP, which my hon. Friend mentioned, and the fact that we have set a nationally determined contribution—unlike some countries—is hugely important. We were ahead of the game with the Climate Change Act 2008 and the 2050 net zero target set by Theresa May. The cost of inaction is also clear: failure to act on climate has an economic cost, as per the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Climate Change Committee. Investing in our networks and infrastructure to generate electricity will be there whether we do that with renewables or fossil fuels, but it is better to do so through low-carbon sources. We must be honest about what is going on here and give confidence to people that ours is the right approach. The clean economy is growing three times as fast as the rest of the economy; apprentices like those at Cavendish Nuclear in Warrington are starting to make a difference in good, well-paid, high-skilled jobs.
Carla Denyer
Lab
West Bromwich West
The climate and nature emergencies are the most pressing issue of our time, threatening UK national security and prosperity. The Climate Change Committee recognises that investing in climate action now will yield significant benefits, up to four times the cost invested. However, fragmented policy making undermines efforts on warm homes, with 8.9 million households classed as fuel poor due to scrapped energy company obligation scheme. The Government must leave no stone unturned in addressing climate change across all departments.
Claire Young
Lab
Bristol North West
The west of England has the potential to lead in tackling climate change while also delivering economic growth and job creation, exemplified by opportunities for nuclear power at Oldbury and Berkeley, tidal power from the Severn estuary, and hydrogen expertise. However, investment and recognition are lacking, hindering realisation of these opportunities. The area requires skilled workforce training and infrastructure improvements to support local employment in green jobs.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
The UK has halved greenhouse gas emissions since 1990, but the government's recent decisions undermine these achievements. Liberal Democrats propose practical solutions like moving older renewable projects to cheaper contracts and insulating homes through a national programme to reduce bills and carbon footprint.
Under the previous Conservative Government, UK made significant progress in cutting emissions more than any other G7 country, reducing them by half compared with 1990 levels. Proportion of UK electricity generated by renewables increased fourfold from 2011 to 2023.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Order was called for Members to refrain from using 'you' as if it were confetti. She did not address the next steps in climate action, focusing instead on past achievements under the previous government.
Katie White
Con
Constituency Unspecified
The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero thanked Luke Murphy for securing the debate and acknowledged other contributors. She emphasised the Government's commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5°C, highlighted the impact of climate change on the UK economy, and underlined the importance of transitioning to clean energy as a national security imperative. She cited examples such as launching Great British Energy and approving record amounts of renewable energy, and praised initiatives like the Bridgend Ravens rugby club installing solar panels and LED lighting.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Carla Denyer
Lab
Bristol Central
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Emphasised the need to invest in energy infrastructure and praised the Government's clean jobs plan.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Recognised progress made by the Government on oceans and acknowledged the warm homes plan as a historic upgrade. She also focused on innovation.
Leigh Ingham
Con
Stafford
Outlined risks and opportunities available in the energy sector.
Derby North
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Claire Young
Lib Dem
Thornbury and Yate
Asked the Minister to visit her constituency to see opportunities and discuss barriers.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Emphasised the significance of making progress towards tackling climate change. He noted that this not only contributes to limiting global warming but also positively impacts economic growth, living standards, national security, and future generations.
Government Response
Stressed the Government's commitment to clean energy transition, citing significant investment in renewable energy, the launch of Great British Energy, and initiatives like solar panel installations. She also highlighted international climate finance contributions.
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