Karin Smyth MP: Climate Timeline

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Karin Smyth's Climate-related Tweets, Speeches & Votes

We've found the following climate-related tweets, speeches & votes by Karin Smyth

• 14 Nov 2024: Parliamentary Speech

  The Government are also taking steps to reduce risks to respiratory health in people’s homes—a point addressed well by the Liberal Democrat spokesperson, the hon. Member for Winchester (Dr Chambers). Living in a home with damp and mould increases the risk of respiratory illness and conditions such as asthma and COPD. It also affects symptom severity and the risk of death for individuals with existing respiratory conditions. We are therefore putting forward an initial £3.4 billion towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency over the next three years, and £1.8 billion to support fuel poverty schemes. That means that over 225,000 households will receive help to reduce their energy bills by more than £200.

  Full debate: Respiratory Health

• 14 Nov 2024: Tweet

  RT @KerryMP: A privilege to be at my first COP29 as the UK’s Climate Minister. Action is now more important than ever. Recent and tragic e… [Source]

• 3 Sep 2024: Parliamentary Speech

  My hon. Friend talked particularly about prevention, and touched on climate change, dentistry and mental health, which are clearly important to many people. Prevention is a key part of the Government’s health mission and our mission across all Departments. We want to support people to stay healthier for longer. My hon. Friend said that we want the security of good health; the NHS was set up to provide that so that people can lead fulfilling lives. That promotes greater independence and shortens the time people spend in ill health. We have not touched on that much, but that is a critical target for this Government.

  My hon. Friend the Member for Norwich South touched on climate change. This is a really big issue for the east of England. I will not have time to go into some of the issues but personally, and, as far as this Government are concerned, the impact of climate change on health and the provision of the health service is a serious issue, with surges in demand for services during periods of extreme weather and heat-related disruption to utilities, such as power outages. We are cognisant of those, and I do think it is an important issue for the health service. The NHS is doing well to become on target to reach net zero by 2040, and all trusts have targets. That is something we will watch closely.

  Full debate: Healthcare Provision: East of England

• 09 Jul 2024: Tweet

  RT @energygovuk: Kerry McCarthy MP @KerryMP has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero @ene… [Source]

• 01 May 2024: Tweet

  RT @KerryMP: The most significant step on Bristol’s pathway to #netzero was not declaring a climate emergency, it was working out how to de… [Source]

• 28 Feb 2024: Parliamentary Speech

  On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I want to clarify the record because something I said in the House yesterday was not, it turns out, on further investigation, entirely accurate. I have been campaigning for some time on supermarket chains’ charging motorists in Chesterfield several pence more than they were being charged a few miles up the road. Yesterday I took the opportunity again to bring that to the attention of the House during Department for Energy Security and Net Zero questions. Since then my office has discovered that prices in Chesterfield are now the same as they are in Sheffield, or very slightly less, so I want to give credit to the supermarkets, who appear to have put in place the changes that were needed. I said that Chesterfield motorists were being overcharged, but they no longer are, which is a very happy thing, so I take this opportunity to correct the record.

  Full debate: Points of Order

• 12 Feb 2024: Tweet

  RT @indparltrust: Last week, a cross-party group of parliamentarians visited @LSEGplc where they learnt about the transition to net zero fi… [Source]

• 16 Oct 2023: Tweet

  ???? WATCH: We must do all we can to deliver the jobs & skills of the future. Especially for our young people. Green growth is a perfect example of how we can build the economy on sustainable industry: securing our Net Zero goals & giving the next generation employment that lasts. https://twitter.com/karinsmyth/status/1713872416043319628/video/1 [Source]

• 04 Oct 2023: Tweet

  Solar panels can save you up to £450 per year! Make sure you find support for this great way to cut bills and tackle climate change with Solar Together supported by @BristolCouncil. Find out more here ???? https://solartogether.co.uk/bristol/home?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo&utm_content=%23BristolClimateAction [Source]

• 21 Sep 2023: Tweet

  RT @SkyNews: "This is weak, wrong and he has really thrown industry under the bus." Shadow Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation @Lab… [Source]

• 13 Jun 2023: Parliamentary Speech

  There have been questions about enabling works. We need much more detail on what is in the system now, the original bids and the assessment of the capability to deliver. Who is designing? Who is project-managing? Who is freeing up the clinical time and paying for it to lead and advise on what is needed? Who is tackling safety and the sustainability of these future public buildings so they can meet the challenge of climate change? Because of the damage of the last decade, such skills are in short supply across the public and private sectors.

  Full debate: New Hospital Programme and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

• 8 Jun 2023: Parliamentary Speech

  For that reason, Labour has committed to embedding health in all policies through the creation of a cross-departmental mission delivery board. That would bring together all Departments with an influence over the social determinants of health and act as an accountable body akin to the Climate Change Committee. That is the kind of bold, ambitious thinking that will define the next Labour Government.

  Full debate: Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease

• 05 Jun 2023: Tweet

  We cannot afford to miss our climate change targets. Britain must act now to become the international leader in green technology: delivering the modern growing economy we need. On #WorldEnvironmentDay I pledge to do all I can to deliver a cleaner, greener #BristolSouth. https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1665629534731763713/photo/1 [Source]

• 15 Mar 2023: Parliamentary Speech

  Overall, there is nothing in the Budget for the west and the south-west. Again, we have been completely ignored by this Government. Transport is a crucial issue for us in Bristol South. We can support tackling the climate crisis and moving towards net zero only if we have a functioning transport system, and this Government simply do not care about that. Many of my constituents rely on buses; the elderly and young people going to education need a bus service. With the end of the bus recovery grant, my constituents would like to know what on earth the Government are going to do to support them.

  Full debate: Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

• 09 Mar 2023: Tweet

  .@UKLabour knows that to deliver the decent jobs of tomorrow we must win the race to be a green energy superpower. Labour will back our car industry by supporting new electric battery factories across the UK, driving £30 billion of economic growth. https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/ [Source]

• 24 Jan 2023: Parliamentary Speech

  That is a subject worthy of a debate on its own. I spoke to one of the Minister’s predecessors, who was a nurse at one point, about that very problem. It is a thorny issue, but it is surmountable. We now have 130,000 vacancies. It is woeful and shameful, but this is preventable, as it is for sectors beyond the NHS. For example, if we are serious about tackling the climate crisis with high-skilled green jobs, we must cultivate the talents and skills of everyone to reach net zero. We cannot rely on those with a degree; we need more people. We need our education system to work for everyone and give people the options and pathways that work for them. Right now, it does not.

  Having security at work and investing in apprenticeships and training opportunities enables people who want the chance to reskill, all of which will help people into high-quality jobs. What we talk about as a green prosperity plan—again, pinch it—will create a million good jobs in industries and businesses in all parts of the country, underpinned by new apprenticeships in the technology sector that will be vital in meeting our net zero commitments. That is the new building in my constituency that the Minister came to see. That is what we want to be looking at: the jobs of the future.

  Full debate: Apprenticeships: Government Support

• 10 Nov 2022: Tweet

  RT @Keir_Starmer: Britain should be leading the way to tackle the climate crisis. Visiting a wind farm in Grimsby, I spoke with industry l… [Source]

• 23 Jul 2022: Tweet

  RT @SWLabourParty: Congratulations @KerryMP on your appointment as Shadow Minister for Climate Change ???? [Source]

• 16 May 2022: Tweet

  ???? WATCH: On @BBCPoliticsWest I said it's clear that #BristolSouth residents are concerned about #ClimateChange and are eager for the Govt to do more to reach #NetZero. All too often the Govt takes the easy option instead of the one that will solve the long-term problem. https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1526230996579909632/video/1 [Source]

• 10 May 2022: Parliamentary Speech

  As a new MP seven years ago, my early speeches in this place were all about apprenticeships, devolution and the need for us to work together locally with businesses, educationists, trade unions and politicians to grow our local economy and share in the prosperity of what in Bristol is a good, strong economy. That has always been my politics. In 2015, apprenticeships were a Tory flagship policy. However, we now know that apprenticeship starts have declined since 2010 by nearly 200,000, or 41%. Apprenticeships are so important in Bristol South because of the poor attainment of people in getting to university. Apprenticeships are also crucial for the small businesses that dominate Bristol South, which are desperately short of skills, and for my constituents, who are desperately short of well-paid, secure work. As we have heard, apprenticeships are crucial to building the green jobs of the future to help us tackle the climate crisis head on. Why not insulate our homes? Why not support those jobs? Why not save energy on the demand side as we face this terrible supply-side crisis? It should not be so hard in a prosperous city such as Bristol to match the desire and needs of business with the ambition of local people.

  As a representative of Bristol South, I have seen the how the apprenticeships route offers a way for our young people to get a chance at those high-skilled jobs and for those who for whatever reason lost out at school to gain entry-level qualifications. That is also particularly helpful to the health and care sectors and to ensuring that we tackle the climate crisis through the skilled green jobs that are out there. The Government’s failure to address apprenticeships in the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 demonstrates not only their lack of ambition but a sad lack of ambition for our children and young people.

  Full debate: Debate on the Address

• 25 Apr 2022: Tweet

  RT @housingpaul: As we increase our planned programme & work on decarbonisation @ElimHousing has created a new role of Asset Programme Man… [Source]

• 04 Apr 2022: Tweet

  ????ICYMI: Apprenticeships are a valuable way of taking action against the climate crisis at home, and ensuring we have the skills needed for a greener future. Find out more at my Apprenticeships Fair, taking place on 12 May at the South Bristol Skills Academy. https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1510920119660146688/video/1 [Source]

• 18 Mar 2022: Tweet

  ♻️Recycling is just one of the ways we can help tackle climate change. If each of us re-used or recycled just one more thing each day, it would make a huge difference. This #GlobalRecyclingDay, let’s commit to recycling more of the right things more often. https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1504835025665241091/photo/1 [Source]

• 2 Mar 2022: Parliamentary Speech

  The credibility of the presidency depends on action at home. Next month, the Advanced Construction Skills Centre in my constituency will host my apprenticeships fair. Does the COP26 President agree that the jobs of the future and apprenticeships offer a credible way to take action at home? Will he support my fair? Will he say how his Government are supporting the jobs of the future?

  Full debate: Oral Answers to Questions

• 02 Mar 2022: Tweet

  ????WATCH: Apprenticeships are a valuable way of taking action against the climate crisis at home, and ensuring we have the skills needed for a greener future. Find out more at my Apprenticeships Fair, taking place at the Advanced Skills and Construction Centre next month. https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1499051918450040839/video/1 [Source]

• 13 Dec 2021: Vote

  Subsidy Control Bill — Schedule 1 - The subsidy control principles - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 09 Dec 2021: Tweet

  Good work ⁦@columeastwood⁩ #ClimatechangeBill2021 https://t.co/z2jwWyChEy [Source]

• 07 Dec 2021: Tweet

  We want to play our part in tackling climate change. But beware of scams offering green services. On #NationalConsumersWeek I'm backing @CitizensAdvice 'be safe being green' campaign. #BristolSouth residents can learn the top 5 tips to avoid scams here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/about-us1/media/press-releases/19-million-targeted-by-a-green-scam-here-are-five-top-tips-on-staying-safe-when-making-your-home-more-energy-efficient/ https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/146818854861246465 [Source]

• 01 Dec 2021: Tweet

  RT @columeastwood: Climate Change is the greatest threat our world faces, and we have ten days to legislate to save our planet. On 10th Dec… [Source]

• 15 Nov 2021: Tweet

  RT @Keir_Starmer: Boris Johnson is the wrong man, in the wrong place, at the wrong time. #COP26 https://t.co/KzecaryvdI [Source]

• 04 Nov 2021: Tweet

  If we are to get serious about tackling #ClimateChange we must progressively levy tax on the highest polluting modes of transport. That's why this #COP26 the Govt must increase Air Passenger Duty for frequent flyers. This revenue can be used to fund green infrastructure & skills https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1456305239108165658/photo/1 [Source]

• 02 Nov 2021: Tweet

  This #COP26 the Govt risks falling into the trap of big, shiny spending announcements. If they are serious about tackling waste & #ClimateChange they must properly fund local government so we can retrofit council buildings - cutting carbon emissions & properly insulating homes. https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1455504966081302529/photo/1 [Source]

• 24 Oct 2021: Tweet

  ????Are you tackling #climatechange in your community and want your generation's voice to be heard at #COP26? Submit your video application to be a Generation Zero Ambassador and share your ideas at @NetZeroAPPG's COP26 events. ⏰Deadline 5pm 29th Oct???? https://netzeroappg.org.uk/our-work/ [Source]

• 21 Oct 2021: Tweet

  ????It was a pleasure to attend the Bus and Coach APPG event yesterday, showcasing UK-made zero emission buses. Delivery of the PM’s commitment to purchasing 4000 UK-made green buses is behind schedule. UK Got must accelerate their investment in the next Spending Review. https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1451201620822343680/photo/1 [Source]

• 21 Oct 2021: Tweet

  ????READ: Karin Smyth MP highlights importance of local, community action in fight against climate change at Bristol Festival of the Future City event???? https://www.karinsmyth.com/2021/10/20/karin-smyth-mp-highlights-importance-of-local-community-action-in-fight-against-climate-change-at-bristol-festival-of-the-future-city-event [Source]

• 19 Oct 2021: Tweet

  ????WATCH: Last week, I took part in a discussion on what #climatechange means for #BristolSouth. I raised my deep worry that the impacts of global warming on public health was not considered enough. Especially how buildings will not be fit for purpose: worsening health outcomes. https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1450388400914280449/video/1 [Source]

• 15 Oct 2021: Tweet

  RT @bristolideas: Today 15 October 12.30. How Should Bristol Respond to COP26? Bristol’s MPs - @darrenpjones, @KerryMP, and @karinsmyth on… [Source]

• 14 Oct 2021: Tweet

  RT @Ed_Miliband: Today I set out how Boris Johnson and his government can make Cop26 in Glasgow the success it needs to be, even at this la… [Source]

• 04 Oct 2021: Tweet

  RT @RachelReevesMP: Not one mention of climate, net zero or COP26 from Rishi Sunak in his speech today. https://t.co/oKbUwSwspi [Source]

• 29 Sep 2021: Tweet

  ????@UKLabour is serious about climate change and understands the importance of upgrading homes to make them more eco-friendly. Labour will fit out every home that needs it to make sure it’s warm, well-insulated and costs less to heat. https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1443244176208920579/photo/1 [Source]

• 30 Aug 2021: Tweet

  ????#BristolSouth constituents! Have your say on the climate emergency, education, skills and more by completing my Summer Survey in the link below ???? http://www.bristolsouthsummersurvey.co.uk https://x.com/karinsmyth/status/1432357456416542722/photo/1 [Source]

• 07 Jun 2021: Vote

  Advanced Research and Invention Agency Bill — New Clause 1 - Human Rights Abuses - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 26 May 2021: Vote

  Environment Bill — New Clause 24 - Prohibition on burning of peat in upland areas - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 13 Jan 2021: Vote

  Financial Services Bill — Schedule 2 - Prudential regulation of FCA investment firms - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 16 Nov 2020: Vote

  Pension Schemes Bill [Lords] — Clause 124 - Climate change risk - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 12 Oct 2020: Vote

  Agriculture Bill — After Clause 42 - Contribution of agriculture and associated land use to climate change targets - Pro-climate vote: No - Their vote: No

• 29 Sep 2020: Vote

  United Kingdom Internal Market Bill — New Clause 6 - Economic development: climate and nature emergency impact statement - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 05 Feb 2020: Vote

  Transport - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 14 Jan 2020: Parliamentary Speech

  I will move briefly to climate change. Following Labour’s motion in the spring, we are agreed as a House that we face a climate emergency. The Government have a target but no path to achieving it. I suggest that if they start to align a strategy on skills and apprenticeships to the green jobs of the future, that will be of tremendous benefit to the people of Bristol South.

  Bristol and the west country are building, but we are short of labour. Good training in construction jobs and apprenticeships will directly help my constituents into jobs. At the centre we need training for the future, including training in green building and green technology, so that we meet the climate change targets. Currently there is little investment in training on new materials, techniques and technology, which will equip young people for the jobs of the future. The Construction Skills Centre in Bristol South provides a tremendous opportunity; I am willing to work with the Government to make the most of it.

  Full debate: Education and Local Government

• 17 Oct 2019: Parliamentary Speech

  On 1 May, the Labour Party, led ably by my hon. Friend the Member for Workington (Sue Hayman), forced the Government to declare a climate emergency. The motion gave the Government six months to bring forward urgent proposals to restore our natural environment and deliver a circular zero-waste economy. Six months on, the clock is ticking, and what did we see in the Queen’s Speech: piecemeal measures—some welcome—to tinker around the edges while the rate of climate change accelerates in the UK at an alarming rate.

  In Bristol South, my focus has always been on post-16 educational opportunities, health and housing. Those are the key things that matter to my constituents, some of whom face the greatest deprivation in this country. Transport—to get jobs to them and them to jobs—is the other key issue. They can all be improved with better policy proposals and investment, which could also help us to meet the climate change challenge, but the Government are not bringing forward any measures for them.

  When I first entered this place in 2015, my surgery was full of young entrepreneurs in Bristol South who had had the legs cut out from under their businesses by the Government’s changes to the infrastructure support, particularly for solar heating and so on. The Government have never supported businesses in Bristol South. I would really like to see them start to reverse that type of policy. Brexit dominates most of our debates at the moment. The idea that the Environment Secretary and the Prime Minister want stronger protections and greater investment in communities facing poverty, particularly fuel poverty, and the devastating effects of climate change is for the birds.

  Full debate: The Climate Emergency

• 25 Jun 2019: Vote

  Delegated Legislation — Value Added Tax - Pro-climate vote: No - Their vote: No

• 6 Mar 2019: Parliamentary Speech

  Hon. Members have highlighted how this situation impacts on many good, genuine people who put their trust in Government. We have heard some examples today, and we have also received emails about the real impact on families and family businesses. It is fair to say, however, that the majority of individuals are not affected—and for the greater population, a decrease in the reliance on oil or fossil fuels is a good policy aim that we would support. There is not an awful lot of sun in Northern Ireland, but a fair amount of water and wind in order for renewable energy to play a really important role in future. It would be very unfortunate if this sorry episode blighted that developing agenda. This is important for the Department as it considers how to rebuild trust in any future schemes on renewable energy.

  Full debate: Northern Ireland (Regional Rates and Energy) (No. 2) Bill

• 24 Jul 2018: Parliamentary Speech

  My hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow North East (Mr Sweeney) talked about refugees and the value that they bring to our country, about renewable energy, about social housing, and about the importance of shipbuilding to his constituency. My hon. Friend the Member for North Tyneside (Mary Glindon) talked about the Public and Commercial Services Union and how its recent ballot worked; she also talked about drug and alcohol policy and ME.

  Full debate: Summer Adjournment

• 06 Sep 2016: Vote

  Finance Bill — VAT on Installation of Energy Saving Materials - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 09 May 2016: Vote

  Housing and Planning Bill — Planning obligations and affordable housing - Pro-climate vote: No - Their vote: No

• 03 May 2016: Vote

  Housing and Planning Bill — Neighbourhood right of appeal - Pro-climate vote: No - Their vote: No

• 14 Mar 2016: Vote

  Energy Bill [Lords] — New Clause 8 — Decarbonisation target range - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 14 Mar 2016: Vote

  Energy Bill [Lords] — New Clause 3 — Carbon capture and storage strategy for the energy industry - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 26 Oct 2015: Vote

  Finance Bill (Ways and Means) (Payment of Corporation Tax) — Chapter 5 — Supplementary provisions - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 08 Sep 2015: Vote

  Bill Presented — Devolution (London) Bill — Clause 45 — CCL: removal of exemption for electricity from renewable sources - Pro-climate vote: No - Their vote: No

• 25 Jun 2015: Parliamentary Speech

  T2. This week The Lancet commission on health and climate change stated that tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century, but it will require cross-Department co-operation and Government action. What reassurance can the Secretary of State give my constituents that there will be cross-Department Government action on the issue and that there will be support for Government health programmes such as those explaining the benefits of walking and cycling as part of the lasting legacy of Bristol being the green capital of Europe? ( 900526 )

  Full debate: Oral Answers to Questions