Rachel Hopkins MP: Climate Timeline

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Rachel Hopkins's Climate-related Tweets, Speeches & Votes

We've found the following climate-related tweets, speeches & votes by Rachel Hopkins

• 5 Sep 2024: Parliamentary Speech

  I welcome our Labour Government’s commitment to decarbonisation, particularly for Britain’s automotive industry. It is a vital step in securing the sector’s future and safeguarding high-quality jobs, which are critical for the Vauxhall plant in my constituency of Luton South and South Bedfordshire. Will the Secretary of State update the House on how his Department is working across Government, including with the Treasury and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to drive innovative decarbonisation solutions, to ensure the success of our growth mission?

  Full debate: Oral Answers to Questions

• 22 Feb 2024: Tweet

  Just this week I joined @bvrla, @EVPowered and a coalition of experts for the launch of the Zero Emission Van Plan. They outlined recommendations across affordability, vehicle charging infrastructure, and regulations to support the transition to electric vans. https://twitter.com/rach_hopkins/status/1760671237599297638/photo/1 [Source]

• 15 Dec 2023: Tweet

  Great to welcome Shadow Minister @LabourSJ to Luton South to visit the Vauxhall Plant with @SarahOwen_. We discussed the UK car manufacturing industry & the transition to electric vehicles. Fascinating to hear how the plant has reduced CO2 emissions in their paint shop. https://twitter.com/rach_hopkins/status/1735731570286248123/photo/1 [Source]

• 08 Dec 2023: Tweet

  Yesterday, I joined ITV Anglia to speak about COP28 and the necessity of investing in good jobs and skills. ????Watch the interview here: https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2023-12-07/catch-up-watch-the-december-2023-episode-of-anglia-late-edition https://twitter.com/rach_hopkins/status/1733105123822342449/photo/1 [Source]

• 08 Dec 2023: Tweet

  Workers, representatives and management at the Alstom plant are united in their desire to retain good, high skilled manufacturing jobs. Rail manufacturing must be protected. Investment in public transport is vital to tackle the net zero challenges we face. @unitetheunion https://twitter.com/rach_hopkins/status/1733064928284623097/video/1 [Source]

• 18 Nov 2023: Tweet

  Thank you to Luton @friends_earth for inviting me to view your ‘warm homes Luton’ quilt & presenting me with the petition, as part of the #UnitedForWarmHomes day of action, calling for: - urgent support with energy bills - more home insulation - a shift to more renewable energy https://twitter.com/rach_hopkins/status/1725927938606915616/photo/1 [Source]

• 21 Sep 2023: Tweet

  Brilliant interview, @LabourSJ. Liz Truss crashed the economy and Rishi Sunak is trashing our economic future. It's clearer than ever that only Labour can create jobs, lower bills, deliver energy security, and tackle the climate crisis. https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1704759024007160166 [Source]

• 12 Jul 2023: Parliamentary Speech

  Labour will accelerate the roll-out of charging points and give confidence to motorists to make the switch, with binding targets for electric vehicle chargers. Our plan includes measures to make the UK a clean energy superpower by 2030, with net zero carbon electricity, lowering electricity costs for the UK car industry. I look forward to supporting Labour’s business team to make this a reality, so that the young people in Luton South see a positive future ahead of them, with good, skilled jobs for the long term.

  Full debate: Automotive Industry

• 20 Apr 2023: Parliamentary Speech

  2. What steps he is taking to help decarbonise the aviation sector. ( 904447 )

  Full debate: Oral Answers to Questions

• 18 Apr 2023: Parliamentary Speech

  T2. Energy-intensive businesses need Government support to transition to a low carbon economy, including the Vauxhall van plant in Luton South, yet last month’s “green day” saw only weak reannouncements on carbon capture and storage and nuclear, and no new money for industry. Can the Minister explain why the Government are failing to help our motor manufacturing industry to decarbonise? ( 904556 )

  Full debate: Topical Questions

• 18 Apr 2023: Tweet

  The Conservatives aren't across the detail on #NetZero. The reality is they are failing to support energy-intensive businesses like those in the motor manufacturing industry to decarbonise. Industry needs action, not empty words. @UnitePolitics @SMMT @vauxhall @Stellantis https://x.com/rach_hopkins/status/1648298488105431041/video/1 [Source]

• 16 Mar 2023: Parliamentary Speech

  Just look at Spain. Its Government have announced a huge investment into the electrification of automotive manufacturing. Without Government action, we will fail to meet our climate targets or reap the benefits of delivering net zero. The UK and Luton’s proud traditions of automotive manufacturing, and the supply chains, need backing.

  Full debate: Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

• 28 Nov 2022: Parliamentary Speech

  A 21st-century station fit for the town we are, not the town we once were, could create huge economic and social opportunities for Luton. Improving the station as a gateway to our town centre would increase the attractiveness of Luton for residents and visitors, which is key to creating jobs, attracting investment and encouraging businesses to come to Luton. Improving Luton’s rail offer also aligns with the UK’s wider aim of reaching net zero. A positive rail passenger experience is vital to encouraging the modal shift from cars to rail. It is clear that the current experience of Luton residents is not encouraging them to make that shift.

  Full debate: Luton Train Station Redevelopment

• 15 Nov 2022: Parliamentary Speech

  Despite the Minister’s rhetoric, with the fast approaching 2030 deadline prohibiting the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, unless Britain secures domestic gigafactories for manufacturing batteries, manufacturers will move elsewhere to build their future electric models. Building gigafactories would contribute to meeting net zero, distributing growth across the country and helping to expand automotive exports. It is a win-win-win. However, I heard little about gigafactories from the Minister. Government inaction already means that the UK is far behind other European countries.

  Full debate: Britain’s Industrial Future

• 12 Nov 2022: Tweet

  In this week's Parliamentary weekly update: ???? nuclear test veterans @atomiclabrats ????@UKLabour Net Zero and Nature Test ????Visit to @someriesinfants ????#ArmisticeDay https://x.com/rach_hopkins/status/1591355126073020419/video/1 [Source]

• 09 Nov 2022: Tweet

  Britain needs a government prepared to lead at home and abroad on the climate crisis. With the hugely worrying global decline in nature, I asked @RishiSunak to support Labour's Net Zero and Nature test to ensure public spending aligns with the UK's green commitments. #COP27 https://x.com/rach_hopkins/status/1590357195837014017/video/1 [Source]

• 22 Oct 2022: Tweet

  RT @UKLabour: Labour has a plan to cut bills, make the UK energy secure, grow our economy, and tackle the climate crisis. Only a Labour go… [Source]

• 19 Oct 2022: Vote

  Ban on Fracking for Shale Gas Bill - Pro-climate vote: Aye - Their vote: Aye

• 15 Aug 2022: Tweet

  “Labour’s fully-funded plan would stop bills rising now and create sustainable energy for the future. We are committed to helping people get through the winter while also building the foundations for a stronger, more secure economy.”???? https://www.rachelhopkins.org/2022/08/15/labour-party-unveils-plan-to-save-typical-family-1000/ [Source]

• 20 Jul 2022: Parliamentary Speech

  4. What assessment he has made of the potential role of energy efficiency in meeting the UK’s climate targets. ( 901187 )

  Full debate: Oral Answers to Questions

  Increasing the number of energy-efficient homes will help us to meet our climate targets and reduce bills. Around 70% of homes in Luton have an energy performance rating of band D or below, and these homes are more likely to include our town’s most deprived households. What discussions has the COP26 President had with the latest Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities about ensuring the green rhetoric on homes is equitable so that everyone can benefit from an energy-efficient home?

  Full debate: Oral Answers to Questions

• 20 Jul 2022: Tweet

  We need energy efficient homes to tackle the climate emergency and soaring bills. Luton is being let down as 70% of homes have an energy rating of band D or below. Only a fair, green retrofitting programme will ensure everyone can benefit from an energy efficient home. https://x.com/rach_hopkins/status/1549797883272208390/video/1 [Source]

• 03 Jul 2022: Tweet

  RT @jreynoldsMP: Labour will re-energise our economy with good jobs and investment to meet our climate objectives We will create 30,000 j… [Source]

• 26 Apr 2022: Parliamentary Speech

  It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Charles. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for York Central (Rachael Maskell) on securing today’s debate. I agree that rail and our wider public transport network are essential to tackling the climate crisis and meeting our net zero commitment, but we do not have a Government willing to drive a transformative strategy that encourages more people to travel by train.

  I echo the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for York Central on the importance of rail unions. Long-term rail reform must have the interests of rail workers at its heart. I send my solidarity to RMT members who are opposing pay freezes, threats to their jobs and attacks on their terms and conditions. Staff are not being properly rewarded. Commuters are not getting value for money and the public are not getting a plan that helps tackle the climate crisis.

  Full debate: Future of Rail

• 18 Mar 2022: Tweet

  In this week's parliamentary update: ➡️ Supporting refugees ➡️ The Civil Service's net-zero transition ➡️ APPG meetings on Cricket and Universities ➡️ #StPatricksDay https://x.com/rach_hopkins/status/1504868987166867463/video/1 [Source]

• 21 Feb 2022: Tweet

  This #FairtradeFortnight, choose #Fairtrade to support farmers and workers taking on the climate crisis. #ChooseTheWorldYouWant ???? Learn more about #FairtradeFortnight2022 and find upcoming events: https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/choose-the-world-you-want/ [Source]

• 11 Jan 2022: Tweet

  RT @BBCBreakfast: "His position is going to be very, very difficult" On #BBCBreakfast Shadow Climate & Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband says… [Source]

• 13 Dec 2021: Vote

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

• 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

• 18 Mar 2021: Parliamentary Speech

  Without concerted international action, the situation in the global south is going to quickly deteriorate because of the climate emergency. It is the world’s most vulnerable who bear the brunt of climate breakdown despite having contributed to it the least. Extreme weather such as prolonged droughts is drying up water sources, while rising sea levels and flooding are contaminating ill-protected water supplies. The Environmental Justice Foundation has estimated that one in every seven people in Bangladesh will be displaced by climate change by 2050. Former Governor of the Bank of England and UN special envoy Mark Carney has said:

  “When you look at climate change from a human mortality perspective, it will be the equivalent of a coronavirus crisis every year from the middle of this century, and every year, not just a one-off event.”

  Full debate: World Water Day

• 15 Mar 2021: Parliamentary Speech

  The imposition of additional conditions on protests, such as being too noisy, simply look like an anti-democratic direct attack on particular social movements at odds with the Government’s agenda. This Bill represents an attack on the public’s freedom of speech, impacting on our fight for race and gender equality, against the climate emergency and for improved workers’ rights. Our country has a proud history of collective action, and I want to express my solidarity with those who attended Clapham common on Saturday to remember Sarah Everard and who were treated disgracefully. What we saw contradicts any notion that there needs to be an extension to the powers to oversee protests. Indeed, the former Home Secretary, the right hon. Member for Bromsgrove (Sajid Javid), has previously stated that

  Full debate: Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

• 4 Mar 2021: Parliamentary Speech

  My Luton South constituents needed to see plans for a more secure, equal and sustainable future, with the Chancellor committing to a new green economy based on full employment and a strong public sector. By choosing to adopt a half-baked, unambitious version of Labour’s commitment to a green investment bank, the Chancellor failed fully to comprehend the scale of the climate emergency we face. The funding made available to the bank offers only a fraction of that recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission, and no new investment has been announced for green recoveries in key industries such as automotive and aerospace.

  The free market is incapable of addressing the climate crisis—in fact, I would say that it was market failure that created the crisis—so policies that weaken the state’s role in the market, such as the super deduction tax, only reduce the Government’s ability to incentivise and direct investment towards a green transition. Instead, the UK needs an innovative, Government-led industrial strategy that stimulates green growth and job creation, ensuring that the transition is equitable and that everyone has the opportunity to have a well-paid, skilled job—something that the market is incapable of delivering.

  Full debate: Income Tax (Charge)

• 23 Feb 2021: Parliamentary Speech

  The past shows us that the market is incapable of finding solutions to climate change, to widening inequality and to the continuation of the public health emergency. We need an empowered public sector at the wheel, driving a green economic recovery that redistributes economic prosperity and creates well-paid, secure, unionised jobs. To help with the economic recovery, the Government should value our local councils, which are on the frontline, supporting our communities, and scrap the council tax hike that is being forced on them.

  Full debate: Government's Management of the Economy

• 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

• 8 Jul 2020: Parliamentary Speech

  Today’s statement on the economy is a clear opportunity to confront some of the vulnerabilities that covid-19 is exploiting, including rising unemployment and the ever-present climate emergency. Without greater and targeted intervention, both those intertwined crises will exacerbate class inequalities and severely damage living standards.

  The Government have a unique window of opportunity to accelerate a green transition in the aviation sector. A targeted economic package would protect thousands of jobs and stimulate a sectorial transition towards net zero. Commitments attached to economic support could include strict time-bound decarbonisation expectations and obligations to adopt cleaner fuels and low-emission technologies. A green aviation package would save jobs in Luton during the pandemic while creating a thriving, sustainable job market for future generations.

  Full debate: The Economy

• 25 Jun 2020: Parliamentary Speech

  We know for sure that the number of flights will not return to 2019 levels for the foreseeable future, that public health regulations will restrict day-to-day business for a long time and that the economic implications will hamper aviation’s development towards net zero. A failure to introduce a tailored package that supports the industry in respect of each of these long-term problems will devastate the whole sector. The removal of the job retention scheme before the sector has returned to business as usual and passenger confidence has returned will lead to rising unemployment, slashed wages and, in some cases, attacks on workers’ rights. In Luton South, nearly 20% of our workforce has been furloughed, and because of the aviation sector’s uncertain future, jobs at easyJet, Swissport and Luton airport are already at risk of being cut.

  There is a clear option for the way forward: a new package should include the protection of jobs and salaries, with a commitment to workers’ rights and a clear commitment to tackling climate change for the industry, using cleaner fuels and low or zero-emission technologies. Companies in receipt of money must ensure that their tax base is in the UK; no dividends should be paid until the company has been proven to be commercially viable; and a commitment to pay UK-based suppliers must be a priority. There must be an aviation-wide bail-out package and it must be tied to social and environmental expectations.

  Full debate: Covid-19: Support for UK Industries

• 19 May 2020: Parliamentary Speech

  The covid-19 crisis has had a dramatic impact on the UK’s economy. A small state, low taxes and pure free market economics have failed to prepare the UK for the public health crisis and the ever-present climate emergency.

  Full debate: Finance Bill (Ways and Means)

• 17 Mar 2020: Parliamentary Speech

  Similar disappointment is replicated in the Government’s much anticipated and much needed transport infrastructure investment plan. We have a climate emergency and emergencies require urgent action, so public transport must be at the heart of the climate strategy. Instead of investing in a sustainable integrated public transport system, however, the Government announced a £27 billion investment in roadbuilding and a fuel duty freeze. That is more than the investment for all other modes of transport combined. This is ill-thought-through policy- making, when we consider that over 60% of the UK’s rail routes have yet to be electrified and that many train stations, such as Luton station, are in desperate need of remediation.

  Bringing transport into public ownership is not radical. We have German, Italian and Dutch state-owned companies running our railways and buses, and the profits are used to subsidise European transport. By pursuing a publicly owned, integrated transport system, we could ensure that every penny invested is focused on improving the standard of the service and working to tackle the climate emergency.

  Full debate: Income tax (charge)

• 05 Feb 2020: Vote

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