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Lords debates reduction in UK's greenhouse gas emissions

27 June 2019

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Members of the Lords discussed regulations on reducing the UK's greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, on Wednesday 26 June.

This Statutory Instrument (SI) is made under the draft affirmative procedure, meaning it needs to be approved by both Houses of Parliament before it can be made (signed into law) and brought into effect as law. Draft affirmative SIs can be stopped if either House votes against the government's motion calling for the SI to be approved.

Motion to regret

Lord Grantchester (Labour), proposed a regret motion to the regulations on the grounds that:

  • the government have given little detail of how the emissions target will be met
  • they have made a substantial change in policy without the full and proper scrutiny that such a change deserves and;
  • they have not introduced regulations under section 30 of Climate Change Act 2008, to include greenhouse gases from (a) international aviation, or (b) international shipping, as part of the emissions target.

Following the debate on the floor of the House, the regret motion was put to a vote. 155 members were in favour, with 116 against, and so the regret motion was agreed to.

This regret motion cannot stop the regulations, but provides the opportunity for the House to put its concerns on record.

Lords scrutiny

The House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (SLSC) examines every SI and publishes reports, drawing members' attention to any areas of concern.

The SLSC reported on the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 in their 53rd Report.

Further information

Image: PA

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