Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kerry McCarthy and Peter Swallow

Tuesday 15th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

16. What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Climate Change Committee’s report entitled “Progress in reducing emissions”, published on 25 June 2025.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Kerry McCarthy)]

The Climate Change Committee report made clear the progress we have made in the past 12 months on overturning the terrible legacy of the Conservatives, who turned their back on climate action. We know that clean power is the route to energy security, lower bills and good jobs. It is a shame that the Tories and Reform are still stuck in the past.

[Peter Swallow]

The Climate Change Committee says that the UK should be proud of its approach to consistent and sustained decarbonisation, but there is much more to do. This week, Bracknell Forest Community Climate Action is hosting a summit to discuss what can be done locally to address climate change and support nature. Does the Minister agree that local initiatives like this demonstrate the strong public support for action on climate change?

[Kerry McCarthy]

We know that there is strong public support, and we are keen to engage more at a local level with groups like Bracknell Forest Community Climate Action. That is why we have set up the local net zero delivery group to work with councils and mayors, and why we will produce a public participation strategy later this year. I very much hope that my hon. Friend’s constituents will get involved in that.