Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Net Zero Targets: Businesses

Tuesday 28 November 2023 · 5 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

  • Minister meets regularly with business leaders and organisations focusing on renewable energy and decarbonisation.
  • Government claims to have cut emissions more than any other major economy and has ambitious plans for 2030.
  • Requests for continued funding of research initiatives like IDRIC in Heriot-Watt University are noted and considered.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Joanna Cherry SNP
Climate Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question addresses the adequacy of business contributions towards UK's net zero goals, specifically in light of recent criticism.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of businesses' contribution to helping meet the UK's net zero targets?

Answer from Graham Stuart

As a Yorkshire MP, I resent that remark. I meet regularly with business leaders and organisations including: the Offshore Wind Industry Council; the solar taskforce; the green jobs delivery group; the North sea transition forum; and, from a strategic cross-cutting point of view, the Net Zero Council.

Not addressed: The adequacy of businesses' contribution to net zero targets was not addressed directly.

How: Resented Remark, Changed Subject

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Q2 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Climate
Context

A business leader criticised the Government for rolling back on climate goals, citing threats to jobs, growth, and additional investment.

Question

Given that the Minister meets many business leaders, has he heard their shock about government roll-backs on net zero targets?

Answer from Graham Stuart

Under this Government, this country has cut its emissions more than any other major economy on the planet and we have the most ambitious plans for 2030. We will be inviting others to join the UK at COP28 next week.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether he agrees with Aviva CEO's statement about threats to climate goals.

How: Changed Subject, Praises Government

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Q3 Joanna Cherry SNP
Scotland Science & Technology
Context

The question is about securing funding for the IDRIC, a research centre aiding industrial decarbonisation. The science Minister has repeatedly cancelled meetings with the MP.

Question

The IDRIC in Heriot-Watt University's constituency supports over 30 universities and research initiatives on decarbonisation but its funding ends next March; will the Minister advocate for a meeting to arrange funding continuation?

Answer from Graham Stuart

I thank the hon. Lady for her question and for championing vital research not least in Scotland; it will be noted.

Not addressed: No commitment to arranging a cancelled meeting or securing funding was made.

How: Thanks Mp, Notes Request

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Q4 Philip Dunne Con
Climate Energy
Context

The question aims to remind the House of recent measures in the autumn statement aimed at promoting green energy.

Question

Could the Minister mention the measures taken in last week's autumn statement to promote the green energy agenda?

Answer from Graham Stuart

In 2010, less than 7% of electricity came from renewables; now it is nearly 48%. In the first quarter of this year, just 14% of homes were properly insulated; now, it is 50%. We heard announcements about the grid and more.

Not addressed: Did not mention measures from autumn statement.

How: Changed Subject, Praised Past Performance

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Q5 David Morris Con
Climate Energy
Context

The MP invites the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero to visit Heysham nuclear power station in his constituency.

Question

Will the Under-Secretary of State come to Heysham to see EDF's new nuclear power programme that is coming to my constituency?

Answer from Graham Stuart

My hon. Friend is a stout champion not only of the pathway to net zero but also of jobs and prosperity; I accept on behalf of my hon. Friend the Minister.

Not addressed: No commitment made for visit to Heysham.

How: Praised Mp, Accepted Invitation

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