Climate Change Committee Progress Report 2023-11-28

2023-11-28

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Afzal Khan Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Context
The Climate Change Committee's recent report highlighted concerns over the UK's climate leadership and policy effectiveness.
What assessment has been made of the implications for policies following the Climate Change Committee's 2023 progress report to Parliament?
The Climate Change Committee itself has said that there was “no material difference” in our overall projections after we made the changes to policies in September. The Government have taken considerable further steps since then, including our introduction of the zero-emission vehicle mandate, our agreement with Tata Steel on industrial electrification in Port Talbot, and reform of electricity grid connections.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address how changes to policies impact alignment with Climate Change Committee's recommendations
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Afzal Khan Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Context
The Climate Change Committee has criticized the UK for losing its role as a global leader in climate action, citing missed opportunities like COP27.
Given that the committee stated the UK is no longer a climate leader due to actions such as approving massive oilfields and weakening climate targets, how does the government plan to push for phasing out fossil fuels at COP28?
The UK has one of the most ambitious climate targets in comparison with any of our international peers. The UN's emissions gap report, published just last week, shows that the UK is expected to reduce emissions between 2015 and 2030 at the fastest rate in the G20 group.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether Government will push for phasing out fossil fuels at COP28, instead highlighted UK's targets compared to peers
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
The Climate Change Committee has advocated for a faster transition to lower-carbon energy.
What fiscal and regulatory measures are the Government taking to encourage more capital investment by business in low-carbon energy?
We have set out new plans for another round of renewable auctions, and we have set out the most radical plans to unlock the electricity grid since the 1950s. We have also launched a new gigafund that will unlock supply chains across all these areas.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify what fiscal or regulatory measures are in place, only mentioned initiatives and plans
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Jim McMahon Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Context
The Labour party aims to create 1 million owners of UK-produced renewable energy with a target of 8 GW.
Why will the Government not meet Labour's ambition of making 1 million people owners of UK-produced renewable energy?
I think the hon. Gentleman's argument is completely wrong-headed. Let us look at what the UK Government have done since 2010. We now have the first, second, third, fourth and fifth largest offshore wind farms anywhere in the world.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address Labour's ambition directly, instead criticized the argument as 'wrong-headed'
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Richard Fuller Con
North Bedfordshire
Context
The Climate Change Committee emphasizes enthusiasm for climate goals, while the Government focus on fiscal prudence.
Does my right hon. Friend agree with the Prime Minister that we need to be clear with the British public all along about the costs incurred to achieve our net zero ambitions?
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. It is really important that we are honest with the British public. We are pursuing the most ambitious climate targets, but we will do so in a sensible way that protects the economy, grows jobs and investment, and ensures that we can deliver for the country not only on energy security but on our climate change ambitions.
Assessment & feedback
Did not clarify costs of achieving net zero goals
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Kerry McCarthy Lab
Bristol East
Context
The Climate Change Committee criticized recent actions as creating uncertainty for consumers and supply chains.
Given the committee's criticism of recent government actions, how can the Prime Minister show his face at COP28?
I think the hon. Lady is putting a lot of words into the Climate Change Committee's mouth there. What it actually said was that, in terms of emissions, it would make no material difference. As I have said, the UN's emissions gap report showed just last week that the UK was expected to reduce emissions between 2015 and 2030 at the fastest rate in the G20 group.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address how recent actions impact Prime Minister's credibility, instead cited UN report and dismissed criticism
Response accuracy