Oral Answers to Questions

Bill Esterson Excerpts

Tuesday 14th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee.

[Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab)]

Lord Stern reminded us just today that

“Investment in climate action is the…growth story of the 21st century,”

while expecting growth from fossil fuels is

“futile because the damage it causes ends in self-destruction.”

The Office for Budget Responsibility confirmed the same thing in the summer, referring to the huge cost of not taking climate action. Is it not the truth that the energy transition is essential, not only to address climate action, but to exactly how we deliver economic success?

[Ed Miliband]

The Chair of the Select Committee speaks very wisely on this matter. The net zero economy grew three times faster than the economy as a whole last year. This is the growth opportunity of the 21st century. Now, we could let China or India take that opportunity, but I say that we need that opportunity for Britain.