Paris Climate Change Conference

Debate between Caroline Lucas and Rebecca Pow

Thursday 19th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Rebecca Pow]

I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. I am coming on to talk a little more about the international context. He is absolutely right, but that is not a reason for us not acting. We still have to do everything we can to set the example, and then we need to go along and hopefully encourage others to join the team.

[Caroline Lucas]

I agree with much of what the hon. Lady is saying. Does she agree that it is not just about setting an example, but about recognising historic responsibility? If we are looking at the cumulative emissions of CO₂ in the atmosphere, the UK is one hell of a lot more responsible than Indonesia.

[Rebecca Pow]

I am not going to disagree with that, but it is again no reason for not doing something. That is historic, and we did not have all the science at that time. We do have the science now, which is why we are going to move forward.