Climate Change International Leadership 2024-11-12
2024-11-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is attending COP29 in Baku and the issue of international climate leadership has been brought up.
What steps are being taken to establish international leadership on climate change, given that this year is likely to be the hottest on record?
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. There is a direct link between taking action to protect the British people at home and leading on climate action abroad. We are working with other countries because of the credibility gained from domestic actions since entering government.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific plans or commitments beyond agreeing that domestic actions matter for international leadership.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government has set a new target for cutting carbon emissions and the question is about ensuring all policies are assessed.
Will every single policy across Departments be assessed to check compatibility with 1.5°C, and what steps are being taken to ensure proper compensation for climate loss and damage in developing countries?
On the question of looking at our policies across the piece, that is very much my job. We will respond to the Committee on Climate Change's report and set out a plan to implement NDCs, requiring effort share across Departments.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific steps for assessing policies or compensation but acknowledged the need for inter-departmental efforts.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister is attending COP29 and there are ongoing international discussions on climate action.
What conversations are we having with international partners to bring western nations together in showing equal ambition?
We are looking at nature-based solutions and the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will be out there as well. We cannot deal with one crisis in isolation from the other.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific conversations or initiatives but acknowledged the need to address both crises together.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A local business in the constituency has invested heavily to become carbon neutral but faces additional costs for grid connections.
What is being done to make additional grid connections affordable and accessible for green businesses like Summer Berry Company?
The Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero is involved with that issue. We have set up the energy superpower mission board, headed by Chris Stark. I had a conversation with him about grid capacity and connections in the right places.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific actions or commitments for grid connection affordability but noted ongoing discussions.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Questions have been raised about the declaration of interests related to Rachel Kyte's appointment.
Was the Secretary of State required to declare Quadrature Capital's £4 million donation to Labour before Rachel Kyte's appointment, and has there been any meeting with directors?
I am sure that the shadow Minister will receive a reply to her letter in due course, but I can tell her that Rachel Kyte is extremely well respected and her appointment as our special representative has been welcomed across the board.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about declarations was not directly addressed; instead, the Minister emphasized Rachel Kyte's reputation.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is showing leadership at COP29 by announcing an ambitious NDC.
How will the Government's actions domestically reflect their ambition to lead on climate action internationally?
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. There is a direct link between taking action to protect the British people at home and leading on climate action abroad.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific domestic plans or commitments but agreed that domestic actions are important for international leadership.
Response accuracy