Oral Answers to Questions

Ruth George Excerpts

Tuesday 25th June 2019 Commons Chamber

[Bim Afolami (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con)]

15. What diplomatic steps the Government are taking to lead the international effort to tackle climate change.

[Ruth George (High Peak) (Lab)]

21. What recent progress the Government have made on tackling climate change through international co-operation.

[The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Jeremy Hunt)]

The FCO is playing a leading role in promoting international co-operation on climate change, maintaining the momentum generated by the Paris agreement, and raising ambition, as indicated by our new net zero 2050 target.

--- Later in debate ---

[Ruth George]

At present, there is no primary legislation to prevent this Government or future Governments using carbon offsetting in other countries to reduce our own carbon emissions. Will the Foreign Secretary commit to such legislation to ensure that we are not simply exporting our own problems?

[Mr Hunt]

I recognise the fairness of the hon. Lady’s point. There will, of course, be legislation to follow relating to our net zero 2050 target and that will be the moment to have that debate.