Oral Answers to Questions

David Johnston Excerpts

Wednesday 14th April 2021 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

I commend both my hon. Friend and the leader of Derbyshire County Council, Barry Lewis, for championing this excellent initiative. This is precisely the type of scheme we want to see—supporting businesses, growth and jobs while cutting emissions.

[David Johnston (Wantage) (Con)]

What steps he is taking to consult with (a) civil society and (b) youth groups in preparation for COP26.

[Laura Farris (Newbury) (Con)]

What steps he is taking to consult youth groups in preparation for COP26.

[The COP26 President (Alok Sharma)]

I want COP26 to be the most inclusive ever. The voices of young people are vital to this process. That is why I have set up an international COP26 Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council, allowing for a regular dialogue with youth activists, NGOs, indigenous people and faith groups as we plan for COP26.

[David Johnston]

I have a pile of letters on my desk from children at GEMS Didcot Primary Academy and John Blandy Primary School, who have written to tell me what they have learned about climate change and what positive changes they saw in the environment during lockdown, and to give me their ideas of things they think the Government should be doing. Will my right hon. Friend tell me how children and young people will be able to feed into the preparations for COP26?

[Alok Sharma]

I thank my hon. Friend for championing the views of young people in his constituency. I pay tribute to the pupils of John Blandy and GEMS Didcot primary schools for their enthusiasm for climate action. I will be delighted to receive their letters and review their ideas; and, through him, I will respond in writing to his constituents.