Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alok Sharma and Damien Moore

Wednesday 9th June 2021 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

I would point out to the hon. Member that the UK is the country in the G20 that has decarbonised its economy fastest since the year 2000. He will know that the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is working on a heat and housing decarbonisation strategy as well. That will come forward, and of course we will set out our net zero strategy ahead of COP26.

[Damien Moore (Southport) (Con)]

What steps he has taken to engage with international partners in north Africa on preparations for COP26. [R]

[The COP26 President (Alok Sharma)]

First, can I thank my hon. Friend for the work that he does as a trade envoy in north Africa? Of course, I and fellow Ministers speak to—and, indeed, our whole diplomatic network speaks to and engages with—Governments across the world, including in north Africa. In recent months, I have spoken to Ministers in a range of countries, including Morocco, Sudan and Egypt, which I visited in February.

[Damien Moore]

What plans are there to sustain engagement in this region in the forthcoming months?

[Alok Sharma]

We are working proactively with countries in the region through our COP26 energy transition council. We co-chair the adaptation action coalition with Egypt and we will continue to engage in north Africa, one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change.