Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to discuss the growth in the world population at the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26); and, if so, what changes they will they be advocating.
Answered by Lord Callanan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Unsustainable consumption remains the primary driver of climate change and environmental degradation.
My Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister has been clear that tackling climate change is a priority for this government. Over the past 30 years, the UK has been at the forefront of the transition to green – demonstrating that economic growth can be aligned with protecting the climate and environment, with our GDP growing by 75% whilst emissions have fallen by 43%.
In the lead up to COP26, we must listen to all voices to unleash the full potential of the Paris Agreement when we meet in Glasgow next year. Together we can reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts, build resilience and grow our economies.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on climate change.
Answered by Lord Callanan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
While it is clear that an economic slowdown caused by Covid-19 is likely to have an impact on emissions both domestically and globally, it is too early to know the likely size of the impact and the long-term implications. Domestically, Covid-19 has had a significant short-term effect. For example, BEIS statistics estimate that road fuel sales in the 12 weeks since the 23 March were 48 per cent below the preceding eight weeks, and electricity consumption has also reduced. Renewables have regularly been providing more than 50% of our power and we recently went 67 days without using coal for electricity generation. Internationally, the International Energy Agency estimate global CO2 emissions will fall by around 8% this year, but then rebound with economic recovery.
These reductions are likely to be short-term. The fundamental need for the world to act urgently to decarbonise remains. Global emissions need to fall rapidly year on year in line with the Paris Agreement goal. That is why we set out ambitious plans at the Budget, and will be focusing on continuing to develop our net zero strategy in advance of COP26 – including through strengthening our plans for decarbonisation in key sectors. The Government will also continue to lead work on the international economic recovery, striving to deliver a UK and world economy which is stronger, cleaner, more sustainable and more resilient after this crisis. Through our COP26 and G7 Presidencies, we will work with our international partners to increase climate ambition and address the linked challenges of public health, climate change and biodiversity.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to undertake a public consultation on bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct at work.
Answered by Lord Callanan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Any form of bullying and harassment is unacceptable and has no place in today’s workplace. Current legislation already provides robust safeguards for employees against harassment in the workplace.
Whilst it is important to have a safety net of legislation to protect employees from the worst form of abuses, the best way to address bad behaviour is through cultural change within the workplace. Employers can, for example, establish good practices through a clear anti-harassment policy and ensure all staff receive training in this area. There are currently no plans to undertake a further public consultation
The Government has however identified a need to take further action where employers are using non-disclosure agreements to intimidate victims of harassment into silence. It consulted on the misuse of confidentiality clauses between workers and their employers in 2019. In response to our consultation, we announced a package of measures, including that we will legislate so that no provision in a workplace non-disclosure agreement can prevent disclosures to the police, regulated health and care professionals and legal professionals.
Asked by: Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to incorporate clauses to end bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct at work in the forthcoming Employment Bill.
Answered by Lord Callanan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government is clear that bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct is unacceptable and is concerned by evidence that confidentiality agreements are being used to intimidate victims of harassment into silence. We consulted on the misuse of confidentiality clauses between workers and their employers in 2019 and in response, have committed to:
This legislation will be brought forward in due course.