Oral Answers to Questions

Alexander Stafford Excerpts

Wednesday 28th April 2021 Commons Chamber

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential opportunities for Scotland arising from COP26.

[Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con)]

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential opportunities for Scotland arising from COP26.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (David Duguid)]

I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues, as well as industry stakeholders, on the opportunities that COP26 offers across Scotland. The COP26 devolved Administration ministerial group brings together the COP26 President, territorial Secretaries of State and devolved Administration Ministers to support the delivery of an inclusive and welcoming COP26 summit that is representative of the whole United Kingdom.

[David Duguid]

I am sure you will agree, Mr Speaker, that it is not for me to answer for the failings of the Scottish Government. However, I assure my hon. Friend that the UK Government are absolutely focused on achieving a green recovery, as set out by the Prime Minister in his 10-point plan last year. This Government are also focused on safeguarding the Union, and I agree with my hon. Friend that a divisive referendum on Scotland’s separation from the UK at this time would be an irresponsible distraction from the necessary work required towards that green recovery.

[Alexander Stafford]

I welcome the ambitious new target that the Government set last week to cut the UK’s carbon emissions by 78% by 2035. Does my hon. Friend agree that in the run-up to the crucial COP26 summit later this year, it is more important than ever for all parts of the UK to work together so that we can meet that target and build back better and greener from the pandemic?