Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Decarbonisation

Thursday 24 June 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department of Transport is running international campaigns for COP26 to double the global transition rate to electric cars and vans.
  • The UK Government has allocated up to 1.3 billion for electric vehicle transitions through various grants.
  • Government investments are being made in green transport innovations, including light rail systems, to build back greener post-pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Grant SNP
Transport Climate
Context

The question arises from the UK Government's commitments to the Paris agreement and COP26. The MP seeks clarity on recent steps taken by the Department for transport to decarbonise transportation.

Question

What recent steps has the Department of Transport taken to facilitate transport decarbonisation in line with government commitments to the Paris agreement and COP26?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

The Department is delivering ambitious international campaigns for COP26, including a zero emission vehicles campaign that aims to double the global transition rate to electric cars and vans. There are also aviation and maritime campaigns focused on reducing industry emissions. These efforts aim at achieving net zero as per the transport decarbonisation plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific details about recent steps taken by the department to achieve COP26 goals beyond general statements of intent and ongoing campaigns.

How: Cop26 Campaigns

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Q2 Peter Grant SNP
Transport Climate
Context

The question stems from a contrast between the Scottish Government's and UK Government's policies on electric vehicle support. The MP points out that while Scotland is increasing EV purchase subsidies, the UK has cut them by 50%.

Question

In light of the Scottish Government's commitment to reducing car use and providing interest-free loans for first-time buyers of new and used electric vehicles, will the Minister explain how the 50% cut in support for electric vehicle purchases aids transport decarbonisation?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

The UK Government has provided up to £1.3 billion in support for electric vehicle transitions, funded through various grants like the plug-in car grant and home charge grant. The hon. Gentleman's constituents benefit from these UK-wide initiatives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not address how cutting EV grants supports decarbonisation goals; instead it highlights general benefits of existing support measures.

How: Benefits Of Current Support

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Q3 Sam Tarry
Transport Climate Energy
Context

The MP is concerned about air pollution and congestion on the A13, advocating for light rail systems as a solution. This follows discussions on effective public transport solutions like Tyne and Wear metro and Tramlink.

Question

Given that light rail networks produce no pollution at point of use, what assurances will the Minister give to support projects incorporating light rail, tram trains, and electric or hydrogen buses such as the mass transit system proposed by West Yorkshire Combined Authority?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

Government investments are being made in green transport innovations across England, including light rail systems. The Government aims to build back greener post-pandemic and create thousands of skilled jobs through these efforts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific assurances for the mass transit system proposed by West Yorkshire Combined Authority; instead it highlights general support across the country.

How: General Support

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Q4 Gavin Newlands SNP
Transport Climate
Context

This question follows discussions about the immaturity of the EV market and ongoing cuts in support. The MP is questioning whether the transport decarbonisation plan will be available before the summer recess.

Question

Given that consensus on the Transport Committee suggests the EV market is immature, why would the Government reduce EV support despite its higher cost? Further, with existing home charge grant expansions in Scotland and previous statements from the Minister about extensive work on a transport decarbonisation plan, will this draft be seen before the summer recess?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

Yes, the document will be available before the summer recess.

Answered
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