Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Levy Excerpts

Tuesday 20th July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con)]

What diplomatic steps his Department is taking to promote international co-operation on tackling climate change.

[Ian Levy (Blyth Valley) (Con)]

What diplomatic steps his Department is taking to promote international co-operation on tackling climate change.

[Deidre Brock (Edinburgh North and Leith) (SNP)]

What progress the Government have made through international co-operation on tackling climate change.

--- Later in debate ---

[James Duddridge]

The Foreign Secretary raised this issue with Wang Yi, and at the US climate leaders’ summit President Xi made the commitment that China would reduce its coal use. That is a positive sign, but more information is needed, so we look forward to hearing more about how China will strictly control and then reduce coal consumption, to make sure that its commitments are Paris-compatible.

[Ian Levy [V]]

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Bede Academy in Blyth where concerned students questioned me on the steps that we are collectively taking to tackle climate change. Will my hon. Friend assure me that the Government are doing all they can to pursue international co-operation on climate change, so that we can best tackle the serious environmental issues and protect our planet for future generations?

[James Duddridge]

My hon. Friend can return to Bede Academy and reassure students that he has raised this matter in the House and that we will tackle climate change and biodiversity. He can also reassure them that that is the Government’s top international priority. We look forward to delivering a successful COP26 this November. That will be a key focus for Ministers and our diplomatic network over the coming months and, indeed, years.