Committee launches inquiry on COP26 and Net Zero

The BEIS Committee's inquiry on net zero will run for the duration of this Parliament, initially focussing on scrutiny of the Government's preparations for November's UN climate summit (COP 26) in Glasgow. The Committee's work on net zero is also likely to include regular evidence hearings with BEIS Ministers and follow-up sessions on events such as the Committee on Climate Change's annual Progress Report on the actions needed to meet UK emissions targets.

Chair's comments

Rachel Reeves MP, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee said:

“Putting the 2050 net zero target into law was a big sign of the UK's climate change ambitions.  However, the target is only the first step, it's crucial the Government now comes forward with a roadmap to achieve it.

“Over this Parliament, the BEIS Committee will be undertaking a range of work examining the policies necessary to get to net zero and holding to account the Government and, where necessary, business for their actions to reduce the UK's carbon emissions and to tackle the climate emergency.

“The UK has a huge responsibility in hosting the UN Climate Summit later this year. It's vital that Alok Sharma and the Government as a whole step up and show the bold and ambitious leadership necessary for COP26 to be a success. As a Committee, we want to take a constructive approach in scrutinising the Government's preparations for the Glasgow Summit and also help ensure the UK provides the leadership at home which will be important in engaging other nations in this global challenge.”

Witnesses

Wednesday 25th March (am)

Timing & venue - TBC

• Claire O'Neill, former President COP26

Watch live on Parliament TV

Background

The BEIS Committee has examined a variety of energy and climate change issues in recent years, looking at the Government's approach to reducing the UK's carbon emissions and producing reports on policy areas such as energy efficiency, developing the market and infrastructure for electric vehicles, carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS).

The BEIS Committee was one of six select committees of the House of Commons (joining Environmental Audit; Housing, Communities and Local Government; Science and Technology; Transport; and Treasury) to support the Climate Assembly UK, a citizens' assembly on combatting climate change and achieving the pathway to net zero carbon emissions.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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