Oral Answers to Questions

Steve Witherden Excerpts

Tuesday 14th January 2025 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr) (Lab)]

1. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to demonstrate UK leadership on climate change.

[The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)]

The Foreign Secretary made clear at his Kew lecture that the climate must be at the heart of all that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does. When we have that focus on climate adaptation and mitigation, we see economic growth globally and in our country.

[Steve Witherden]

The rising death tolls from the wildfires in Los Angeles and the damage to our communities recently caused by Storms Bert and Darragh serve as clear reminders of escalating weather extremes and the urgent need to tackle the climate emergency. Will the Minister explain how the Government are actively driving efforts to cut emissions and champion clean energy, both in the UK and across the globe?

[Anneliese Dodds]

Our thoughts are with all those hit by the dreadful crises that my hon. Friend mentions. At COP29, the UK showed leadership in setting an ambitious nationally determined contribution to cut emissions by 81% by 2035. We are championing clean energy at home and abroad, including through the launch of GB Energy and the global clean power alliance.