Opposition Day debate: Transport

Transport

Andy McDonald MP: "Emissions are higher now than in 2010"

Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Andy McDonald MP, said that "the Government has failed to provide leadership on climate change." He said that these were not his words but the words of the former Conservative Rail and Environment Minister Clair O'Neill.

Speaking about the Transport sector, the Shadow Secretary said: 

"Transport is the most emitting sector of the UK economy, and its responsible for more than a quarter of the greenhouse emissions, and that's excluding international shipping and aviation. It's also the worst performing sector when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. Emissions are higher now than in 2010[…]transport emissions were just two percent lower in 2016-17 than in 1991."

George Freeman MP: "step up to our global responsibilities"

Responding on behalf of the Government, Minister of State (Department for Transport) said that the Government is committed "to make sure we are rid of all diesel trains on the rail network by 2040."

"We want to make this, Brexit, a moment in which we step up to our global responsibilities to lead in the decarbonisation of transport and in the growth of a green economy. And that's why I'm working with the Secretary of State on our first ever comprehensive transport decarbonisation plan […] which we will shortly be setting out."

• Watch Parliament TV: Opposition Day debate: Transport
• Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.

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