Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment has been made of the advantages and disadvantages of appointing the role of President of the 26th Conference of the Parties UN Climate Conference external to the executive.

My rt. hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked my rt. hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry MP) to take on the role of UK nominated COP26 President. This is a strong signal that the PM is committed to a successful COP and is keen we ramp up preparations accordingly.

My rt. hon. Friend’s experience as a former minister for energy and clean growth, as well as founding the Powering Past Coal Alliance (alongside Canada) will be invaluable in delivering COP26.