Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Climate Change

Tuesday 2 May 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The refreshed integrated review places tackling climate change, environmental damage and biodiversity loss as the first thematic priority.
  • With respect to the hon Lady, the UK is making climate change a key part of all bilateral relationships and has more than 100 staff working full-time on climate issues within the Foreign Office.
  • The Government have made an unprecedented commitment to spend 11.6 billion by 2025-26 on climate efforts, focusing on technical expertise and tripling adaptation spending.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Anna McMorrin Lab Cardiff North
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP inquires about the UK's efforts to maintain its international reputation as a leader in tackling climate change.

Question

What diplomatic steps is the Department taking to help ensure that the UK plays a global leadership role in tackling climate change?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The refreshed integrated review places tackling climate change, environmental damage and biodiversity loss as our first thematic priority.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific diplomatic steps being taken to enhance the UK's global leadership in climate action

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Q2 Anna McMorrin Lab Cardiff North
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP criticizes recent UK decisions, such as scrapping the special representative for climate change and granting oil licences in protected areas, which undermine the country's image as a leader against climate change.

Question

It has been revealed that the role of the UK special representative for climate change has been scrapped; oil and gas licences are being granted in marine protected areas; and Rosebank oilfield may be given approval. Does the Secretary of State agree this Government's actions destroy our international credibility as a climate champion?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

With the greatest respect, I think that the hon. Lady is slightly going over the top on this issue. We are making climate change a key part of all our bilateral relationships; building on the legacy of COP multilaterally; and within the Foreign Office, we have more than 100 staff working full-time on climate change.

Not addressed: Did not directly address the specific criticisms about scrapping the special representative role or granting oil licences in protected areas

How: Going Over The Top

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Q3 Lyn Brown Lab
Climate
Context

The MP raises concerns about perceived hypocrisy in the government's approach to climate change, citing new coal and oil licences being granted despite international commitments.

Question

Last week, the Minister talked about climate as a driver of poverty and hunger. He knows that I agree. Sadly, however, his Government lack ambition for net zero transition; they give succour to climate deniers on their Benches. New coal and oil licences are being granted. Does this mean Tory internal divisions prevent effective climate leadership?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

I do not think there are any climate deniers on the Government Benches. The Government have made an unprecedented commitment to spend £11.6 billion by 2025-26; focusing on technical expertise and tripling adaptation spending.

Not addressed: Did not address whether internal divisions hinder climate leadership or acknowledge hypocrisy in granting new licences

How: No Climate Deniers

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