Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Decarbonisation Commitments

Thursday 9 September 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department published the transport decarbonisation plan and set out pathways to achieve net zero.
  • The UK Government announced an active travel programme as part of a 2 billion funding initiative.
  • The Secretary expressed disappointment in Cheshire West and Chester Council for not contributing to the reopening of Beeston Castle and Tarporley station.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Transport Climate
Context

The question addresses the UK's commitment to decarbonising transport in line with international agreements and upcoming COP26 summit.

Question

What recent steps has the Department taken to facilitate transport decarbonisation to help meet commitments to the Paris agreement and forthcoming COP26 summit?

Answer from Grant Shapps

We recently published the transport decarbonisation plan and set out our pathway to achieving net zero, and we are delivering an ambitious, international COP26 campaign.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps or figures related to transport decarbonisation.

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Transport Climate Scotland
Context

The Scottish Government recently announced a target of spending 10% of the transport budget on active travel. The question seeks information on similar initiatives in England.

Question

Will the Secretary invite the Scottish Transport Minister to explain their ambition at COP26 and outline steps the UK Government is taking to meet this ambition south of the border?

Answer from Grant Shapps

We announced an active travel programme as part of £2 billion funding, with an additional £330 million spent this year alone. COP26 will showcase all work done collectively to improve climate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm the invitation and focused on general statements instead of specific steps for active travel south of the border.

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Q3 Edward Timpson Con
Transport Climate Environment
Context

Local authorities that have declared a climate emergency are asked to contribute to business cases for reopening railway stations, aiming at net zero.

Question

What assessment has the Secretary made of local authorities contributing to the preparation of business cases for reopening dormant railway stations towards net zero?

Answer from Grant Shapps

Local authorities declaring a climate emergency should pay more than lip service. Unfortunately, Cheshire West and Chester Council is refusing to contribute £5,000 to reopen Beeston Castle and Tarporley station.

Not addressed: The question was about an assessment of contributions in general, but the answer focused on one specific case without addressing the broader issue.

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Q4 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Transport Environment
Context

Residents in Bath have been subjected to helicopter joyrides that fly low, causing environmental damage and hindering net zero goals.

Question

Will the Minister meet me to find a way forward for my constituents affected by pollution from low-flying helicopters in Bath?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I am more than happy to arrange for her to meet my aviation Minister, the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Robert Courts), to discuss it.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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