Many thanks for your email, and for drawing my attention to the event on 11 July.
I can assure you that I consider climate change to be one of the greatest challenges we will face in our lifetime. As you may know, the UK, which continues to demonstrate a world-leading role in tackling climate change, was the first G7 country to legislate to achieve net-zero by 2050. In fact, we are decarbonising faster than any G20 country. In addition, we have set ambitious climate targets in law, such as a commitment to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030 and by 78% by 2035 (both compared to 1990 levels) ahead of meeting our net-zero commitment.
My interest in climate change saw me join the Environmental Audit Committee, soon after I was elected, on which I served from 2006 to 2010. I served also as the Chairman of GLOBE UK in the House of Commons and as Chairman of GLOBE International (an organisation bringing together international parliamentarians to champion sustainable policies), positions I held until July 2016. I chaired the GLOBE COP20 Legislators Summit in Paris. I can therefore assure you that tackling the issue of climate change is important to me.
I will make a note of the event of 11 July, although it clashes with other entries in my diary, and hope I may be able to hear what Sir Patrick Vallance has to say. As you rightly point out, he and the Chief Medical Officer were important contributors to the Government's approach during the pandemic over the past 2 years.
5 July 2022
