Measures to combat climate change in Wales
Westminster Hall debate
Tonia Antoniazzi MP
On 14 July, Tonia Antoniazzi MP led a Westminster Hall debate on measures to combat climate change in Wales.
To inform the debate, she asked the public to share their ideas on the role of citizens and governments in combatting climate change.
Statement from the MP:
During the debate, she thanked all those who had contributed, and addressed some of the themes put forward by respondents:
"The responses that came in were varied and really thoughtful. I would like to thank everyone who got in touch with ideas and comments.
"There are too many excellent contributions to mention them all, for which I am really sorry, but I would like to pick out a couple and respond to them..."
Public contributions to the debate are discussed
Watch the full debate:
- Read the debate transcript on Hansard.
The Government's response
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, David T.C Davies MP responded to the debate. He addressed the Government’s current policy agenda and future ambitions related to climate change both in Wales and the wider UK.
Watch or read his full speech for details on topics including:
- Legally binding carbon budgets, and targets related to carbon emissions
Press release: UK enshrines new target in law to slash emissions by 78% by 2035
- Updates on marine energy generation in Wales
Consultation: Potential of marine energy projects in Great Britain
- The Contracts for Difference scheme for renewable energy across Great Britain
- Funding and policies related to the decarbonisation of industry, with a specific focus on the south Wales industrial cluster
BEIS Strategy document: Industrial Decarbonisation (UK)
- Details on Welsh companies and industries focused on zero-carbon transport
Welsh Government: Transport decarbonisation plan
- Updates on the heat in buildings strategy
Consultation outcome: A future framework for heat in buildings
Introducing the debate, Tonia Antoniazzi gave the following statement:
"Despite being confronted with a once in a lifetime global pandemic, climate change remains the single largest existential threat to people across the world. The UK has a responsibility as one of the first industrialised countries to combat climate change and take a proactive approach to mitigate and reverse its effects.
"In Wales we are extremely fortunate to have access to natural resources that can provide cutting-edge alternatives to curtail our reliance on fossil fuels. How we deal with these issues in the next few years will have a defining impact on future generations and their wellbeing.
"What behaviours should we encourage among our citizens to intensify our fight against climate change and what legislative measures would you like to see implemented to help us reach our goals?"
What is a Westminster Hall Debate?
Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.
Due to Covid-19 measures, Westminster Hall debates are taking place in hybrid form in a designated committee room. MPs are able to take part virtually or in person.
How Parliament works: Westminster Hall debates.
How your contributions are shared
In these exercises, members of the public who have signed relevant petitions are invited to share their experiences and ideas.
These are passed on to the MP leading the debate, who may refer to them directly in their speeches.
Find other petitions on the Petitions website, or see more examples of public contributions being used in debates below:
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