Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Climate Change: Resilience Planning 2026-07-07

Tuesday 7 July 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State will publish an energy resilience strategy later in 2026.
  • The OBR has presented reports on the economic impacts of climate change and the benefits of long-term investment.
  • The Minister is working across Government to update advice on resilience to increased temperatures in schools and workplaces.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bobby Dean Lib Dem
Climate
Context

The question arises from the need to assess the adequacy of current Departmental planning in light of increasing climate risks.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of his Department's long-term resilience planning for climate change?

Answer from Katie White

The Secretary of State will publish an energy resilience strategy later this year. Last week, alongside the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, I launched a first-of-its-kind taskforce with external experts from security, the military and academia, to boost preparedness for climate change and nature loss.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide an assessment of the adequacy but announced new initiatives

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Q2 Bobby Dean Lib Dem
Economy Climate
Context

The Office for Budget Responsibility's fiscal report highlights long-term risks of climate damage but does not require the government to adjust its financial planning. The question asks about potential changes if the Secretary were moved to the Treasury.

Question

If he were to be moved to the Treasury, would the Secretary of State consider changing the fiscal rules to encourage more long-term planning for things like climate change?

Answer from Katie White

As I am the one answering the hon. Member's question, I cannot comment on those decisions. The OBR has put forward various reports to look at the impacts of climate change on our economy, and the value of investment versus the cost of inaction.

Not addressed: Changed subject from fiscal rule changes to OBR reports and financial architecture

How: Changing Subject

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Q3 Cat Eccles Lab
Education Employment Climate
Context

During a heatwave, primary schools faced challenges with the government's advice on keeping buildings cool. The issue also affected bus drivers and office workers.

Question

What is the Minister doing to ensure that schools and workplaces are resilient to increased and sustained temperatures in the future?

Answer from Katie White

We are looking at the issue across the board. We have an energy resilience strategy coming forward, as well as a wider taskforce, and I am working across Government with colleagues to ensure that any advice is updated, because this is sadly the new normal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete measures but mentioned ongoing work

How: Vague Commitments

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Q4 Seamus Logan SNP
Climate Energy
Context

The government faces difficulties with defence investment and needs an extra £5 billion. The question asks about continued support for a specific project.

Question

Can the Minister confirm her Department's continuing support for the Acorn Project at St Fergus in my constituency?

Answer from Katie White

I can.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q5 Brian Leishman Lab
Scotland Environment
Context

Fuel transportation from the Stanlow refinery to Scottish airports is seen as harmful to the environment, straining road infrastructure, reducing employment opportunities, and negatively affecting supply chains.

Question

Are the Government concerned about the future of fuel distribution in Scotland?

Answer from Katie White

We want to ensure that we have a system that supports reductions in emissions, while also maintaining supply. I do not think that what my hon. Friend says is the case, but we do see a future for Grangemouth, and we look forward to continuing to work with him on that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm concerns about fuel distribution but stated positive view of current practices

How: Disagreeing With The Premise

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