Written question asked by Lord Barker of Battle (Conservative) on Tuesday, 3 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 February 2009. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 26 February 2009 on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Climate Change: EU Action

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on taking into account energy and climate change-related threats in the European Security Strategy.

Answer: Energy security and climate change are among key threats and global challenges that were identified in the EU High Representative/Secretary General's report on the implementation of the 2003 European security strategy which was endorsed by the December 2008 European Council. The UK Government outlined their position on the threat of climate change in the March 2008 national security strategy and, reflecting its importance in traditional security policy, has taken a lead in pushing climate change to the top of the international debate about security. The Government also pressed to ensure that Javier Solana's report included energy security as a key theme.My right. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change has regular discussions with EU counterparts on these issues, mainly in the context of the EU Energy and Environment Councils.

Secondary information