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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Bilimoria (Crossbench). It was answered on Thursday, 10 June 2021.

Environment Bill: Royal Assent

Question

My Lords, as president of the CBI, I was privileged to chair the B7, which feeds into the G7 this weekend, which in turn will lead to the B20, the G20 and, eventually, COP 26. Is the Minister aware that one-third of the UK’s largest businesses—

representing a market capitalisation of £650 billion—has already committed to net zero by 2050, leading the world in this transition? The UK Government are urging more businesses to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050 and build back greener ahead of COP 26 in Glasgow in November. Surely, the Government must lead by example and ensure that this crucial Bill is debated thoroughly and passed before then?

Answer

My Lords, it is absolutely our intention that the Bill be passed before COP 26. I note the comments of the noble Lord. Huge progress has been made since the UK assumed the role of president-designate. We have seen huge success at the G7 with all members committed to net zero and steep emissions reductions in the first part of that target—over the next nine years. We have had commitments on nature in the G7 the likes of which we have never seen before. Of course, we now have to turn those words into action.

Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
812 c1570 
Session
2021-22
Oral question type
Supplementary
Procedure
Virtual contributions
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Environment protection Royal assent UN Climate Conference 2021
Legislation
Environment Bill 2019-21 to 2021-22
Link
View this Oral question on hansard.parliament.uk