Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alok Sharma and Bob Blackman

Wednesday 20th July 2022 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

I agree with my hon. Friend; this measure will not only lower bills, but reduce demand for energy at this critical point, where energy security is so important around the world and also in our country.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

One way we could improve energy efficiency is by ensuring that new homes are energy-efficient. Will my right hon. Friend put pressure on developers to ensure that they are called to follow modern efficiency standards rather than the old ones?

[Alok Sharma]

Having modern, up-to-date standards is vital, and I will make sure I raise this with the appropriate Department.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alok Sharma and Bob Blackman

Wednesday 15th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

I refer the hon. Lady to the British energy security strategy, which sets out the very clear direction of travel towards a clean energy future for the UK.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

T5. I agree that action is much more important than just straight-forward commitments, so will the COP26 President update the House on the progress made on climate action at the G7 climate, energy and environment meeting?

[Alok Sharma]

I agree entirely with my hon. Friend about the need for commitments and action. I can confirm that at the G7 Ministers reaffirmed the key climate commitments that were made at COP26 and we also agreed to phase out the use of domestic coal and end G7 international fossil fuel finance by the end of 2022.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alok Sharma and Bob Blackman

Wednesday 1st December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

Again, I make the point that it is the first time that we have agreed the need for a dialogue. During our presidency year, we will pursue that very actively.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

I congratulate the President of COP26 on the excellent work that he has done for this country and for the world. Will he also inform the House what discussions he has had with the Treasury about what we as the United Kingdom Government can do to help the countries that are threatened?

[Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)]

What a creep! [Laughter.]

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alok Sharma and Bob Blackman

Tuesday 16th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

We are working with the steel sector, as the hon. Member will know, and we continue to work closely with it. Of course I absolutely remain committed to supporting a sustainable UK steel sector. We have increased the amount of borrowing that can take place under the larger CBIL scheme but, as I said to the right hon. Member for Doncaster North (Edward Miliband) in answer to an earlier question, when individual companies approach us, we will of course enter into direct discussions with them.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

It is good news that our shops are gradually reopening across England, but they are in a delicate economic position. The good old British compromise of our Sunday trading laws allows a balance between the larger stores, the smaller shops, the interests of consumers and the interests of staff working in those shops. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the very last thing we should be doing is disturbing that compromise and potentially placing at risk the jobs and economic capabilities of our small shopkeepers across England?

[Alok Sharma]

Of course we keep all these matters under review, and I know that there is a range of views on this matter. I would just point out that we did temporarily relax Sunday trading during the London Olympics. That was to support consumers and, of course, the economy as well.