Oral Answers to Questions

Kerry McCarthy Excerpts

Wednesday 18th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Walker]

Our commitment to the Good Friday agreement and its successors is absolutely intact and 100%—and the Secretary of State is, of course, answering questions in the House today—but it is also clear that the first step we are taking on this is to engage with the parties and, indeed, with the Irish Government. That is clear from the written statement that the Secretary of State has published.

[Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab)]

7. What discussions he has had with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on the development of a Northern Ireland environment strategy.

[The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Robin Walker)]

The UK Government are committed to prioritising the environment. As a world leader in tackling climate change, we are the first major economy in the world to legislate for a net zero target. Following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive, Northern Ireland Ministers have been in contact with Executive Ministers on a range of issues. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, which leads on environmental issues in Northern Ireland, has recently sought views on an environment strategy for Northern Ireland, and I understand that a summary of its findings will be published in spring this year.

[Kerry McCarthy]

In its submission to the consultation, Sustrans said:

“It is unacceptable there is no specific climate change legislation in Northern Ireland”

which

“would allow specific policies to be developed to meet emissions targets and adapt…to… risks.”

Given the close connection between the climate emergency and the natural environment emergency, is it not time that Northern Ireland was able to legislate so that it could develop its own climate strategy?

[Mr Walker]

The hon. Lady has raised an important point. We want to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on this issue. Clearly these are devolved issues, and I think that the Executive’s response to the consultation on environment strategy will be key to addressing that question.