I have been contacted by constituents about Tackling Climate Change.
As the Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes South, I have included below my response:
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face, and I can assure you that I recognise the importance and urgency of action on this issue.
I am proud of our world-leading role in tackling climate change and our transition to the Clean Growth Strategy. As you may well be aware, the UK was the first country to legislate to be carbon zero by 2050, and the fastest in the G20 to cut emissions.
Since setting the net zero targets, and to help us on this journey, the Government has announced around £2 billion for new policies. The Prime Minister-chaired Cabinet Committee on Climate Change continues to ensure all arms of Government are focussed on tackling this challenge. The UK will continue to use its position as a global leader at the postponed UN Climate Change Summit and will ask international partners to match the UK’s ambition.
The Budget reinforced the UK’s strong track record in this area, with the Chancellor of the Exchequer announcing £640 million for tree planting and peatland restoration, over £1 billion to support the transition to electric vehicles and tax measures to reduce plastic waste. I was particularly pleased that the Chancellor announced £15 billion of green gilt issuance to help support vital projects that tackle climate change, fund critical infrastructure investment, and create green jobs across the UK.
The Environment Bill is continuing its passage through Parliament. I welcome the work of this bill which will protect and improve the environment for future generations by enshrining in law environmental principles and legally-binding targets.
I am pleased to be a part of this Conservative Government that is going above and beyond to tackle climate change.
Furthermore, as a Minister in the Scotland Office I look forward to being involved with COP26 which will be hosted in Glasgow later this year. The climate talks will bring together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change.
