Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Debate between Ed Davey and Andrea Leadsom

Monday 30th September 2019 Ministerial Corrections

[Sir Edward Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) (LD)]

Does the Secretary of State agree that the climate emergency demands that we reform the whole financial system, to decarbonise capitalism and green the City? If so, why are the Government taking three years to implement the mandatory disclosure of climate-related financial risks, when it could be brought in within one year?

[Andrea Leadsom]

The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that just this weekend the Prime Minister doubled our international climate finance contribution, from £5.8 billion to £11.2 billion, for 2021 to 2025. That demonstrates our commitment to providing support for those in developing countries.

[Official Report, 26 September 2019, Vol. 664, c. 909.]

Letter of correction from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Andrea Leadsom).

An error has been identified in my response to a question on my statement on International Climate Action.

The correct response should have been:

International Climate Action

Debate between Ed Davey and Andrea Leadsom

Thursday 26th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Andrea Leadsom]

Of course air quality is vital, and the move to electric vehicles is important. My hon. Friend will be aware that we have a £400 million investment in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, but it is also vital that we generate electricity from low-carbon sources to provide electricity for those electric vehicles.

[Sir Edward Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) (LD)]

Does the Secretary of State agree that the climate emergency demands that we reform the whole financial system, to decarbonise capitalism and green the City? If so, why are the Government taking three years to implement the mandatory disclosure of climate-related financial risks, when it could be brought in within one year?

[Andrea Leadsom]

The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that just this weekend the Prime Minister doubled our international climate finance contribution, from £5.8 billion to £11.2 billion, for 2021 to 2025. That demonstrates our commitment to providing support for those in developing countries.[Official Report, 30 September 2019, Vol. 664, c. 10MC.]

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ed Davey and Andrea Leadsom

Thursday 1st November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con)]

14. What his policy is on onshore wind farms; and if he will make a statement.

[The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Mr Edward Davey)]

Our policy remains the same: to support onshore wind farms. Onshore wind is good for our energy security, emissions reductions, economic growth and jobs, and it reduces pressures on consumer bills. The new wind projects to deliver the ambition of 13GW by 2020 are largely on the table. The Government are clear that those must be properly sited and must provide genuine benefits to local communities.

[Andrea Leadsom]

I am disappointed that the Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), did not respond to my question; I have welcomed his comments in the press in recent days. Does my right hon. Friend believe that it is fair that my constituents in Helmdon, Sulgrave and Greatworth have spent two years and thousands of pounds of their own money fighting a wind farm in their area, with support from South Northamptonshire council, only to have the decision overturned on appeal? The inspector said that all their objections were very valid and upheld them, but added that national policy overruled local wishes. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to improve that unfair situation?

[Mr Davey]

I am sorry if I have disappointed my hon. Friend by my presence at the Dispatch Box. She will know that Ministers do not comment on particular planning applications, but I have made it absolutely clear, working with the Department for Communities and Local Government, that the planning system needs to be more responsive to local communities. I personally launched the consultation on trying to get greater community benefits for communities who host renewable sites. I hope that she will, with her experience, contribute to that consultation process, which is very important in ensuring that communities who host these sites can gain a real benefit.