Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Net Zero Target: Population Increases

Tuesday 4 July 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Christopher Chope asked about the impact of population growth on net zero targets, citing a projected increase of 25 million people by 2050.
  • The Government aims to reduce net migration to sustainable levels but does not set decarbonisation targets per capita.
  • Kenny MacAskill raised concerns about the slow roll-out of smart metering in Scottish local authorities, particularly in areas with high fuel poverty.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christopher Chope Con Christchurch
Climate
Context

The MP is concerned about the increase in UK population and its implications for achieving net zero carbon emissions. He references a significant projected rise in population from 1990 levels, which could exacerbate emissions.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of increases in the population on the ability to meet net zero targets? Does my right hon. Friend accept that in 2050 we will have 25 million more people than in 1990, leading to higher global emissions? Should this Government focus on a net migration policy rather than net zero?

Answer from Graham Stuart

Population growth is accounted for in our baseline emissions projections. The Prime Minister aims to bring net migration down to sustainable levels, though we do not set decarbonisation targets per capita; all countries must reduce absolute emissions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact of population on carbon targets and the comparison with net migration policy were not fully addressed.

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Q2 Christopher Chope Con Christchurch
Immigration Climate
Context

The MP is concerned about the UK's rising population since 1990 and its potential to hinder net zero ambitions. He believes this highlights the need for a more focused migration policy.

Question

In 2050, we will have 25 million more people than in 1990 due to Government policies. A higher population increases global emissions. Should this Government focus on net migration rather than net zero?

Answer from Graham Stuart

The Prime Minister aims to bring net migration down to sustainable levels. We do not set decarbonisation targets per capita; all countries must reduce absolute emissions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically addressing the impact of population on carbon targets and prioritising net migration over net zero was sidestepped.

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Q3 Kenny MacAskill
Scotland Energy
Context

Only four out of 32 Scottish local authorities have more than 50% roll-out of smart meters, with five below 30%, and three island councils below 10%. These areas also experience high fuel poverty. As radio teleswitching ceases to operate in March 2024, the MP is concerned about access to off-peak tariffs for those affected.

Question

The roll-out of smart metering is crucial as we approach March 2024 when radio teleswitching will cease. Only four out of 32 Scottish local authorities are above 50% in the roll-out, with five below 30%, and three island councils below 10%. These areas also face high fuel poverty. How will people have access to smart metering for off-peak tariffs?

Answer from Graham Stuart

Smart metering is important and we want it equitably distributed. The hon. Gentleman's points are well made and I or colleagues would be happy to meet him to discuss addressing these issues.

Not addressed: The specific plans for ensuring smart meter roll-out in high fuel poverty areas by March 2024 were not addressed.

How: Would Be Happy To Meet

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