Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Climate Change: International Co-operation and the Global South

Tuesday 20 April 2021 · 7 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Department encourages all countries to increase climate change ambition ahead of COP26.
  • UK Government pledges to work with marginalized groups in India and globally to amplify their voices on climate change issues.
  • UK prioritizes global food security issues in its climate and development strategies, focusing on sustainable agriculture and international progress towards climate resilience.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Clive Lewis Lab Norwich South
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK is preparing to host the COP26 climate conference. The MP inquires about diplomatic efforts with global south partners.

Question

What diplomatic steps his Department is taking ahead of COP26 to work with partners in the global south to tackle climate change?

Answer from James Duddridge

As COP hosts, we encourage all countries to make a step change in ambition. The success of COP26 is a top priority for the Government and the FCDO this year. It is prioritised by Ministers and it is prioritised across our diplomatic network.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific diplomatic actions were not detailed, only general priorities mentioned

How: Under Review, Working On This

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Q2 Martin Docherty SNP
Climate Business & Trade
Context

Climate change impacts minority rights, especially for marginalised groups in India. The MP asks about embedding positive climate outcomes for these groups in future UK-India trade discussions.

Question

Can the Minister advise on how the UK Government intends to embed positive climate change outcomes not just for UK companies and citizens but also for those most marginalised due to climate change in future trade talks with India?

Answer from James Duddridge

The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight marginal groups, specifically in India but also globally. We have pledged to work with young people, faith leaders, women and indigenous people to amplify the voices of the most marginalised and will do that not only through the narrow lens of climate change but also through our overall relationship with other countries, including trade policy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans for embedding positive outcomes were not detailed

How: Under Review, Looking At This

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Q3 Julian Sturdy Con
Climate Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The need to sustainably produce more food by 2050 due to population growth is a major challenge for reducing carbon emissions. The MP wants assurance that this issue will be addressed.

Question

Will the Minister reassure me that global food security issues, which are crucial in tackling climate change, will remain a priority in Britain's global climate and development strategies?

Answer from James Duddridge

I can certainly reassure my hon. Friend. In fact, the global transition to sustainable agriculture, and specifically key land use, is a key focus of our COP26 nature campaign, and we are seeking to make further international progress towards climate resilience and sustainable agriculture through the transition to sustainable agriculture dialogues.

Answered
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Q4 Stuart Anderson Con South Shropshire
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP has conducted a survey to understand environmental concerns among constituents. The MP asks about the inclusion of all parties in the global effort against climate change.

Question

What discussions have you had with international partners to ensure that everyone is included in the global effort to tackle climate change?

Answer from James Duddridge

My hon. Friend is a dynamo on climate change in his constituency, and we in our own modest way hope to be dynamos at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. We will encourage climate ambition in this critical year of COP; through our presidency we will make an inclusive COP, listening to all parties.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussion details were not provided

How: Under Review, Looking At This

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Q5 Angela Crawley SNP
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

UK officials stated that greater climate action is needed. However, the UK's overseas spending cuts are raising concerns about their impact on developing economies' ability to address climate change.

Question

What assessment has been made regarding the impact of UK's budget cuts for development aid committed to sustainable development goals, particularly those related to tackling climate change?

Answer from James Duddridge

As the hon. Lady can imagine, this is a very important issue, and I have asked the question internally within the Department and can assure her that we are doubling our international climate finance to £11.6 billion over the next five years and have committed to aligning all official development assistance with the Paris agreement.

Answered
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Q6 Clive Lewis Lab Norwich South
Climate Energy
Context

The wealthiest need to reduce carbon emissions significantly. The MP asks for a commitment that public funds will not support the fossil fuel industry, including in development aid.

Question

Will the Minister commit to ensuring that no UK public funds are used to fund or subsidise the fossil fuel industry, including through development aid?

Answer from James Duddridge

Certainly everybody, especially those emitting the most, needs to make those reductions. We are no longer investing in fossil fuels. Various organisations clearly have a historical book of fossil fuel investment that can be managed down over time.

Answered
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Q7 Preet Kaur Gill Labour (Co-op) Birmingham Edgbaston
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK's decision to cut its aid budget is seen as weakening the ability to address global challenges like climate change, poverty, and health. The MP requests a statement on spending plans for 2021.

Question

Will the Foreign Secretary face up to his decision on cuts to the aid budget, make a statement to the House on spending plans for 2021, and put these cuts to a vote?

Answer from James Duddridge

The Foreign Secretary is attending the International Development Committee on Thursday, which will allow for a forensic examination of everything that he says, but we are here at the Dispatch Box answering questions. I myself am answering seven or eight questions. Far from running away, we are engaging in this debate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to making a statement was not clear

How: Running Away, Not Directly Addressing The Request

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