COP 26: Sponsors

Viscount Waverley Excerpts

Tuesday 6th October 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My noble friend makes a very good point. We will be carrying out due diligence on all potential sponsors. As I said, we are looking for companies that are running their businesses in a sustainable manner and working to reduce their environmental impact through net-zero targets; that will include studying their supply chains as well.

[Viscount Waverley (CB) [V]]

My Lords, a leader article yesterday stated bluntly that:

“The global climate crisis is the emergency of our times.”


How many heavy hitters are being targeted that meet the committed criteria outlined by the Minister? Can he give any indication of examples? In addition, and underlining other contributions this afternoon, will the Government agree that COP 26 sponsor selection must focus unreservedly on those fully committed to the cause, and not on those only paying lip service out of self-serving expediency?

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

I can certainly agree with the latter part of the noble Lord’s questions. We need to pick companies that are walking the walk as well as talking the talk. We hope to announce some names shortly.