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Environmental Sustainability: UK-Indonesia Collaboration — [Sir Jeremy Wright in the Chair]
23 June 2026
Lead MP
Kerry McCarthy
Bristol East
Lab
Responding Minister
Seema Malhotra
Tags
TaxationClimateForeign AffairsBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 11217
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Kerry McCarthy raised concerns about environmental sustainability: uk-indonesia collaboration — [sir jeremy wright in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Government to ensure that the recently announced regulations on forest risk commodities are implemented swiftly and effectively, without further delay. Additionally, I urge them to expedite consultations and recommendations related to voluntary carbon and nature markets, which can attract private investment for conservation efforts.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the environmental impact of deforestation and peatland degradation in Indonesia, which is a critical carbon sink. Over recent decades, hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest have been lost each year due to unsustainable agriculture, logging, mining, urbanisation, and wildfires. The main drivers include palm oil production and illegal activities. While Indonesia has taken steps like introducing mandatory national certification for sustainable palm oil (ISPO) in 2011 and a moratorium on new plantation permits in 2018, secondary forests remain vulnerable. I also worry about the lack of progress on mobilising finance to protect standing forests and restore lost areas, as well as delays in implementing forest risk commodities legislation.
Alex Sobel
Lab
Leeds North West
Noted that a five-year delay in passing regulations has led to the import of 54,000 hectares of tropical forests, equivalent to an area the size of Leeds. Sobel dedicated his speech to Lord Harries of Pentregarth, a supporter of environmental issues. He highlighted the Merauke Food Estate project in West Papua as one of the world's largest deforestation projects, threatening indigenous communities and unique biodiversity. Sobel cited evidence of human rights violations, including military involvement and displacements, and urged the UK Government to raise concerns with Indonesia about sustainable alternatives. He also discussed threats to the Tapanuli orangutan in Sumatra, emphasizing the importance of preserving unique species found nowhere else in the world.
Andrew Snowden
Con
East Suffolk
Conservatives recognise the need to protect the natural world and support UK-Indonesia collaboration on environmental sustainability. Mr. Snowden questioned the adequacy of the Government's approach given the scale of investment and the importance of Indonesia's forests, mangroves, and critical mineral wealth.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab
Oxford East
Acknowledged that Indonesia's forests are home to both flora and fauna as well as people, urging the UK Government to push for a visit by the UN Human Rights Commissioner to Indonesia. Concerned about reports of violence against indigenous people in Indonesia, with around 40 killed and drones and booby traps used recently.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent North
Emphasised the health risks associated with peatland fires and supported the idea of involving local indigenous people who have traditionally protected their environment. Mentioned a case in Indonesia where 31,000 sq km was burned in 2019. Highlighted the threats to biodiversity in Sumatra, noting its significant tree species diversity and the endangered status of species like orangutans, tigers, elephants, and 132 bird species. In a brief intervention, Barry shared a humorous anecdote about using honey to protect trees from elephants, but did not directly address the main topic of the debate on UK-Indonesia environmental collaboration.
Mary Glindon
Con
North Tyneside
I support the importance of protecting peatlands and stopping peatland fires. I also highlight the need to use COP showcases, such as those at the desertification COP in Riyadh, to illustrate the potential for UK companies like LettUs Grow to provide solutions for countries facing water scarcity.
Central Ayrshire
I acknowledge the need to balance economic growth and environmental protection in Indonesia, focusing on sustainable palm oil production. I also express concern about illegal logging and deforestation caused by palm oil expansion.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked about opportunities for Northern Irish green tech businesses to bid for international investments and highlighted the British Red Cross event on water issues. Raised concerns over finding a balance between ensuring producers receive fair prices and meeting global supply demands.
John Cryer
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
I recognise the urgency of taking action against deforestation in supply chains, as it affects global environmental sustainability. I support the lead MP's call for swift implementation of forest risk commodities legislation.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
I agree with the lead MP's concerns about environmental degradation in Indonesia, particularly regarding the impact on forest and peatland ecosystems. I emphasize the importance of addressing illegal logging and mining activities that contribute to deforestation.
Roz Savage
Lib Dem
Somerton and Frome
She welcomed the UK-Indonesia strategic partnership on climate and nature but criticised the government for failing to show consistency in their commitments. Roz highlighted the importance of protecting Indonesia's biodiverse forests, which store billions of tonnes of carbon, and mentioned her visit to Sabangau national park where she saw efforts to rehabilitate orangutans orphaned due to deforestation. She also raised concerns about UK consumption being linked to 29,000 hectares of deforestation in 2023 alone and called for robust regulations that cover all forms of deforestation and indigenous people's land rights. Roz further stressed the importance of maintaining aid commitments and restoring Darwin grants which support conservation efforts.
Sarah Dyke
Lab
Glastonbury and Somerton
Peatlands store more carbon than all the world's forests combined, highlighting the need to invest in bilateral peatland partnerships rather than cutting climate funding. Asked the Minister for a clear timeframe for new funding to support conservation efforts in Indonesia's rainforests and peatlands.
Government Response
Seema Malhotra
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Jeremy. I am very grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) for securing this debate and pay tribute to her long-standing work on climate and environmental issues. The core of our partnership with Indonesia is focused on climate, nature, and energy co-operation, recognising Indonesia's pivotal role in global outcomes on climate and nature due to its scale of rainforests and biodiversity. I also acknowledge the importance of addressing human rights violations across Papua and highlight ongoing work to protect orangutans through sustainable forestry partnerships and habitat conservation efforts. The UK continues to support Indonesia's energy transition, including a just energy transition partnership aimed at unlocking $1 billion in additional climate finance from the World Bank. We are committed to working with Indonesia on governance improvements and ensuring communities, especially indigenous peoples, are part of this transition. The Government announced today that the UK is introducing new deforestation regulations requiring businesses to strengthen due diligence and improve traceability in their supply chains while supporting sustainable growth alongside forest protection. Representing a wide, ambitious partnership backed by political commitment from both sides, we will continue sharing investment and practical support with Indonesia under Labour's leadership.
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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.