Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Climate Change Committee: Progress Report

Tuesday 28 November 2023 · 6 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Climate Change Committee's 2023 progress report was assessed by the Government, who noted "no material difference" in projections after policy changes.
  • The UK claims to have one of the most ambitious climate targets and is expected to reduce emissions at the fastest rate in the G20.
  • Government plans include new renewable auctions, unlocking the electricity grid, and launching a gigafund to unlock supply chains in low-carbon energy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Climate
Context

The Climate Change Committee's recent report highlighted concerns over the UK's climate leadership and policy effectiveness.

Question

What assessment has been made of the implications for policies following the Climate Change Committee's 2023 progress report to Parliament?

Answer from Claire Coutinho

The Climate Change Committee itself has said that there was “no material difference” in our overall projections after we made the changes to policies in September. The Government have taken considerable further steps since then, including our introduction of the zero-emission vehicle mandate, our agreement with Tata Steel on industrial electrification in Port Talbot, and reform of electricity grid connections.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address how changes to policies impact alignment with Climate Change Committee's recommendations

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Q2 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Climate
Context

The Climate Change Committee has criticized the UK for losing its role as a global leader in climate action, citing missed opportunities like COP27.

Question

Given that the committee stated the UK is no longer a climate leader due to actions such as approving massive oilfields and weakening climate targets, how does the government plan to push for phasing out fossil fuels at COP28?

Answer from Claire Coutinho

The UK has one of the most ambitious climate targets in comparison with any of our international peers. The UN's emissions gap report, published just last week, shows that the UK is expected to reduce emissions between 2015 and 2030 at the fastest rate in the G20 group.

Not addressed: Did not address whether Government will push for phasing out fossil fuels at COP28, instead highlighted UK's targets compared to peers

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Q3 Dominic Raab Con
Economy Climate Energy
Context

The Climate Change Committee has advocated for a faster transition to lower-carbon energy.

Question

What fiscal and regulatory measures are the Government taking to encourage more capital investment by business in low-carbon energy?

Answer from Claire Coutinho

We have set out new plans for another round of renewable auctions, and we have set out the most radical plans to unlock the electricity grid since the 1950s. We have also launched a new gigafund that will unlock supply chains across all these areas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify what fiscal or regulatory measures are in place, only mentioned initiatives and plans

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Q4 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Climate
Context

The Labour party aims to create 1 million owners of UK-produced renewable energy with a target of 8 GW.

Question

Why will the Government not meet Labour's ambition of making 1 million people owners of UK-produced renewable energy?

Answer from Claire Coutinho

I think the hon. Gentleman's argument is completely wrong-headed. Let us look at what the UK Government have done since 2010. We now have the first, second, third, fourth and fifth largest offshore wind farms anywhere in the world.

Not addressed: Did not address Labour's ambition directly, instead criticized the argument as 'wrong-headed'

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Q5 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Climate
Context

The Climate Change Committee emphasizes enthusiasm for climate goals, while the Government focus on fiscal prudence.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree with the Prime Minister that we need to be clear with the British public all along about the costs incurred to achieve our net zero ambitions?

Answer from Claire Coutinho

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. It is really important that we are honest with the British public. We are pursuing the most ambitious climate targets, but we will do so in a sensible way that protects the economy, grows jobs and investment, and ensures that we can deliver for the country not only on energy security but on our climate change ambitions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not clarify costs of achieving net zero goals

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Q6 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Climate
Context

The Climate Change Committee criticized recent actions as creating uncertainty for consumers and supply chains.

Question

Given the committee's criticism of recent government actions, how can the Prime Minister show his face at COP28?

Answer from Claire Coutinho

I think the hon. Lady is putting a lot of words into the Climate Change Committee's mouth there. What it actually said was that, in terms of emissions, it would make no material difference. As I have said, the UN's emissions gap report showed just last week that the UK was expected to reduce emissions between 2015 and 2030 at the fastest rate in the G20 group.

Not addressed: Did not address how recent actions impact Prime Minister's credibility, instead cited UN report and dismissed criticism

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