Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Clarke and John Howell

Tuesday 11th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

3. What fiscal steps he is taking to ensure that the Government meets its target of net zero emissions by 2050.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Simon Clarke)]

The clean growth strategy sets out our proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy through the course of the 2020s. This year, the Government will be setting out further detail on plans to reduce emissions in key sectors such as transport, energy and buildings, as well as publishing our net zero review.

[John Howell]

The next UN climate conference is the perfect opportunity to set out exactly what we are doing to get our emissions down to net zero by 2050. Can the Minister assure me that the Government are committed to doing all they can to achieve that and to delivering the green jobs that come with it?

[Mr Clarke]

I am a passionate believer in the net zero agenda, and I believe that it is perfectly congruent with economic growth. COP26 presents a huge opportunity for the UK and globally. We are already a leader in tackling climate change, having reduced the emissions intensity of our economy faster than any other G20 country. We will be doing more at Budget.