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COP29: UK Priorities
10 September 2024
Lead MP
Deirdre Costigan
Ealing Southall
Lab
Responding Minister
Kerry McCarthy
Tags
TaxationClimate
Word Count: 13798
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Deirdre Costigan raised concerns about cop29: uk priorities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks for a commitment to robust targets and fair funding agreements at COP29, showcasing that under Labour, the UK can be trusted to deliver on international climate agreements. She highlights the importance of local authorities in implementing climate measures and calls for detailed plans with delivery partners on the ground.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP is concerned about the impact of climate breakdown on her constituents in Ealing Southall, including increased flooding and food shortages. She mentions that half of her constituents were born outside the UK and are worried about relatives affected by climate change elsewhere. The previous Conservative Government failed to deliver on their promises made at COP26, halting home retrofitting programmes and granting new licences for oil and gas extraction in the North Sea. Local councils have stepped in with initiatives like rain gardens and underground water containers but need support from the central government.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Thanked the hon. Friend for securing the debate and expressed hope to attend COP29 in Azerbaijan, highlighting the significance of the loss and damage fund agreement reached at COP28 for vulnerable countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Carla Denyer
Green
Bristol Central
COP29 is a test of the world's willingness to address climate change with urgency. Despite consensus at COP28, governments plan to produce 110% more fossil fuels than needed for a 50% chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C by 2030. The UK must demonstrate leadership and act on its promise to end new fossil fuel licences.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Ms Ellie Chowns called for urgent action regarding energy efficiency measures, urging the Government to introduce measures in the planning and infrastructure Bill that ensure all homes are warm and affordable. She also questioned whether the Prime Minister would attend COP29 and show leadership on climate change. I have not heard any mention of the topic in two speeches by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. I urge the Government to take the issue on board.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Asked if the UK should ensure major polluters like Russia and China reduce their emissions for global efforts to be effective.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon emphasised the importance of an inclusive process for COP29, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland's engagement. He highlighted Climate Northern Ireland's role in fostering collaboration and shared expertise among various sectors to address climate change impacts. Shannon underscored the need for balance between environmental goals and practical considerations such as funding for farmers and agriculture.
Josh MacAlister
Lab
Whitehaven and Workington
The world has recognised the crucial role of nuclear energy in tackling climate change. Nuclear is the only large-scale, low-carbon source that can operate continuously, complementing intermittent renewable sources and decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. The Sizewell C project demonstrates nuclear's potential for clean energy production and economic growth. However, financing, regulation, and technological advancement are key barriers to its deployment.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Mr Lee Pitcher highlighted the significant impact of climate change on water resources, noting that for 60% of resilient cities globally, the primary threat is related to excessive or insufficient water supply. He expressed concern about the psychological effects of flooding on children and emphasised the need to leverage community engagement and innovative projects such as carbon capture initiatives in his constituency.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Asked the Member for Whitehaven and Workington about opportunities for constituencies with existing nuclear power stations, like hers, to host new nuclear projects.
Mark Garnier
Con
Wyre Forest
Emphasized the progress made by the previous Conservative Government on climate change, highlighting the UK's 50% emissions reduction between 1990 and 2022 while growing the economy. He expressed concern about the Labour Government's lack of clarity on their net zero plans and raised questions about the cost and practicality of ambitious targets, stressing the need for a pragmatic approach to maintain public support.
Pippa Heylings
Lib Dem
South Cambridgeshire
Called for the nomination of a special climate envoy by the Prime Minister to enhance diplomatic efforts and restore the UK's global leadership in climate negotiations.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Stratford and Bow
Ms Kumaran highlighted the need for the Government to prioritise phasing out fossil fuels at COP29, noting a lack of progress since COP28. She praised the new Labour government's steps towards clean energy but urged them to go further by ending new oil and gas licensing, engaging in a just energy transition, and including commitments to phase out fossil fuel production in updated nationally determined contributions.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
The speaker highlighted the importance of effective diplomacy and strengthening wording on fossil fuel phase-out. She emphasized the need for rapid emission reduction, increased renewable energy, and climate finance. The Liberal Democrats support the focus on renewables, urging action following commitments made at COP28. She also called for attention to deforestation issues and collaboration through Article 6 of the Paris agreement. Additionally, adaptation measures were discussed with a focus on financial assistance and addressing the adaptation finance gap. Loss and damage funding was stressed as crucial with more substantial contributions needed from wealthy nations.
Government Response
Kerry McCarthy
Government Response
Acknowledged the importance of local government in delivering net zero, mentioned climate impacts on diaspora communities, and expressed readiness to work with new MPs. Emphasised the UK's role as a leader in COP29 by highlighting past successes and current commitments.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.