The Climate Emergency

Debate between Theresa Villiers and Sarah Newton

Thursday 17th October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Theresa Villiers]

I am going to make some progress.

We are a country that has shown that economic and environmental success can go hand in hand. We have cut our emissions by more than 40%—faster than any other G20 country—while growing our economy by more than two thirds. That includes a 25% cut in greenhouse gas emissions since the Conservatives returned to office in 2010.

[Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con)]

I thank the Secretary of State for giving way; she is making a powerful speech and being very generous with her time. Will she support my call that we introduce a net zero test so that we can ensure that at every fiscal event—Budgets and comprehensive spending reviews—we are investing to deliver, and perhaps we could get the Office for Budget Responsibility to scrutinise that so that everyone has confidence, as I do, that the Government are absolutely committed to delivering net zero?

[Theresa Villiers]

My hon. Friend makes an interesting suggestion, which I will consider carefully, and we might of course return to it when the Environment Bill is debated in Committee.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Theresa Villiers and Sarah Newton

Monday 19th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Newton]

I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman is just factually incorrect. We have seen the growth of many full-time jobs, and the number of zero-hours contracts is going down. Speaking as a woman who raised her family, I can tell him that part-time employment can be an extremely good option for many people in our labour market.

[Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con)]

16. What steps she is taking to ensure that the welfare system rewards people (a) moving into work and (b) extending their working hours.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Theresa Villiers and Sarah Newton

Monday 3rd July 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Newton]

The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to point out the vile hatred that is being spread on the internet. I am pleased to report that the action we are taking is regularly enabling thousands of images to be taken down. We leave no stone unturned, and the Home Secretary is working closely with all the bodies responsible for the internet to make sure that we take more action to remove every vile piece of hatred from it.

[Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con)]

Will the Minister set out what the Government are doing to tackle anti-Semitism on campus, where the activities of hard-line groups often create an intolerant and intimidatory atmosphere for Jewish students?

[Sarah Newton]

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise the issue of anti-Semitism. There is no room at all in our society for hatred of anyone based on their faith, race or ideology. The Government have put a safeguarding responsibility on universities and schools to make sure that they protect young people from being exposed to vile hatred and radicalisation.