Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Climate Change

Tuesday 21 May 2024 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Afzal Khan asked the Minister about steps taken to tackle climate change, noting contradictions between international agreements and domestic policies.
  • Afzal Khan inquired about meeting cross-party parliamentarians urging climate leadership and questioned the Government's support for fossil fuels despite COP28 agreements.
  • Derek Thomas asked about Government support for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in rural communities to reduce emissions without replacing existing heating systems.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Climate
Context

The UK has set ambitious climate targets and is a leader in reducing emissions, but there are concerns about the government's actions since COP28.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to tackle climate change. At COP28, the UK agreed with nearly 200 countries on the transition away from fossil fuels. Since then, the Government have granted new oil and gas licences and pushed legislation through this House to maximize North Sea fossil fuel production. Will the Minister meet the 50 cross-party parliamentarians who signed a letter urging the Government to show climate leadership by joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

I thank the hon. Member for raising that important issue. That is why we are proud that we have already taken 70% out of the oil and gas sector.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting cross-party parliamentarians to discuss joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance

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Q2 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Climate
Context

The UK is leading in climate action, but there are concerns about recent government actions that contradict climate goals.

Question

At COP28, the UK agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. Since then, new oil and gas licences have been granted and legislation pushed through to maximize North Sea fossil fuel production. Will the Minister meet 50 cross-party parliamentarians urging climate leadership by joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

I thank the hon. Member for raising that important issue. That is why we are proud that we have already taken 70% out of the oil and gas sector.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance ahead of COP29

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Q3 Derek Thomas Con
Energy Environment
Context

There is concern about the cost of transitioning to alternative heating systems for rural homes. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is seen as a potential solution.

Question

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is an alternative to ripping out existing heating systems in rural homes. We have heard today about the costs involved in this transition and its impact on reducing harmful emissions. Will the Government support HVO in rural communities, giving householders a chance to contribute to emission reductions?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

My hon. Friend has always championed his local constituents to ensure that they get value for money. We must explore all potential options, local or national, to find the best way to deliver energy security and lower bills in future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Supporting HVO in rural areas as an alternative solution

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