Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord Whitehead (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 24 January 2007 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: In view of the changed political circumstances in the US Congress and the fact that President Bush actually mentioned the words ““climate change”” in his State of the Union address last night, will the Prime Minister renew his efforts to persuade the US to follow the UK’s lead and sign up fully to international measures to combat climate change?

Answer: Yes, and I believe that this debate is moving in a completely different and more positive direction. First, we have to take measures here, and the climate change Bill that we will shortly publish will set out exactly what steps Government, business and individuals can take. Secondly, we need to make sure that the European emissions trading system is more effective. Thirdly, we need international agreement, through the G8 plus 5 dialogue that we established at the Gleneagles summit. I think that there is a different attitude around the world to this issue, and that the signs from the State of the Union address are positive. However, we must make sure that we get a binding international framework that allows us to tackle the problem at the only level, ultimately, that it can be tackled—by making sure that we have an agreement with all the major countries, including America, China and India. I am more positive and optimistic about that possibility than I have been for several years.

Secondary information