Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Climate Change: International Work

Tuesday 8 October 2024 · 8 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government will unveil a nationally determined contribution for 2035 at COP29 to set a benchmark for the world.
  • The Secretary agrees that consistency in commitment is crucial for global climate leadership.
  • The Government aims to take carbon budgets seriously in their plans, constraining actions accordingly.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Waugh Labour (Co-op) Rochdale
Climate
Context

The MP questions steps being taken to address global warming.

Question

What steps is the Government taking with international counterparts to tackle climate change, especially considering the UK's clean power plan and no new oil and gas licences?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The Government will unveil a nationally determined contribution for 2035 at COP29. This targets a low-ambition equilibrium and aims to set a good benchmark and example for the world.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q2 Johanna Baxter Lab Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Climate
Context

The MP notes that climate action is critical following warnings from Sir David Attenborough.

Question

Will the Secretary of State explain his actions to ensure Britain is a main player in tackling the climate emergency? Will he meet local representatives on rewilding initiatives?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The Government sees leadership at home as essential to international success. They aim to tackle the situation inherited from previous governments, despite being off track globally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting with representatives on rewilding initiatives

How: Under Review

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Q3 Christopher Vince Lab Co-op Harlow
Climate
Context

The MP welcomes the Secretary of State's commitment to international climate issues but references a racing game at Harlow college.

Question

Does he agree that the new Government's commitment is necessary for leading on climate change globally?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The Secretary agrees, noting inconsistency was an issue under previous governments. Consistency is crucial for global leadership.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q4 Paul Waugh Labour (Co-op) Rochdale
Climate
Context

The MP welcomes the Secretary of State's commitment to climate change, highlighting domestic policy impact.

Question

Will he outline further steps on the global stage at COP29 and COP30?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The Prime Minister will unveil a nationally determined contribution for 2035 at COP29, aiming to set a good benchmark and example for the world.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q5 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Climate Energy
Context

The MP questions the Government's consideration of a third runway at Heathrow against climate change goals.

Question

Why are Ministers considering giving a green light to a third runway, given it conflicts with net zero?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The Government will take carbon budgets seriously in their plans. They aim to constrain actions according to these budgets, unlike the previous government's approach.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on runway approval and impact on net zero targets

How: Under Review

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Q6 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Climate Environment
Context

The MP questions the Secretary of State on rewilding, particularly regarding planting trees in moorland.

Question

Has he looked into the issue of rewilding on moors, considering expert opinions that it may be detrimental?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The Secretary agrees to write or have a Minister write to the MP on this issue. He notes rewilding is essential for tackling climate issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of detrimental impacts and specific actions regarding moorland rewilding

How: Under Review

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Q7 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Climate Business & Trade
Context

The MP criticises previous government's failure to use trade deals to advance climate change agendas.

Question

Will the Secretary of State ensure new trade deals are used to advance climate change actions?

Answer from Ed Miliband

Yes, and he is already discussing these issues with the Business Secretary regarding trade deals.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q8 Joy Morrissey Con Beaconsfield
Foreign Affairs Standards & Ethics
Context

The question arises from concerns about the Secretary of State's declaration of interests before appointing Rachel Kyte as his climate envoy.

Question

May I congratulate the Secretary of State on his appointment of Rachel Kyte as his climate envoy to support his work with international partners? Before her appointment, did the Secretary of State declare to officials her links with Quadrature Capital, which donated £4 million to the Labour party? Also, did he declare her links to the Green Initiative Foundation, which gave him £99,000?

Answer from Ed Miliband

All the proper processes were followed by the Foreign Office, which was in charge of the appointment. I have to say that this is a very sad reflection on the Conservative party.

Not addressed: Whether Rachel Kyte's links with Quadrature Capital and the Green Initiative Foundation were declared before her appointment as climate envoy

How: This Is A Very Sad Reflection On The Conservative Party

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