Richard Burgon MP: Climate Timeline

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Richard Burgon's Climate-related Tweets, Speeches & Votes

We've found the following climate-related tweets, speeches & votes by Richard Burgon

• 12 Nov 2024: Parliamentary Speech

  The devastating scenes of flooding in Spain remind us all of why urgent investment is needed to deal with the deadly consequences of climate change. Does the Minister agree that that investment should be paid for by the polluting companies that have caused the climate crisis?

  Full debate: Oral Answers to Questions

• 12 Nov 2024: Tweet

  Spain's devastating floods highlight the need for massive investment to address the climate crisis. The fossil fuel giants have made eye-watering profits while fuelling climate chaos. Today I called for oil and gas companies to be made to pay for the climate action we need. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1856441572344107408/video/1 [Source]

• 11 Oct 2024: Tweet

  Great to meet young climate activists from @_TeachtheFuture in Parliament this week. They're campaigning for climate-friendly schools and for the reality of the climate emergency to be taught in schools to help prepare the next generation to tackle the greatest crisis we face. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1844763409918595265/photo/1 [Source]

• 12 Sep 2024: Tweet

  The Climate Emergency is one of the greatest challenges we face. It was great to catch up this week with @GreenpeaceUK I'll be campaigning with them and others to make the oil and gas giants pay for the huge investment we need to take the climate catastrophe they've caused. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1834302026593017929/photo/1 [Source]

• 03 Sep 2024: Tweet

  RT @PoliticsJOE_UK: Just Ed Miliband making Richard Tice look v silly over renewable energy x https://twitter.com/PoliticsJOE_UK/status/1830997058720829563/video/1 [Source]

• 29 Aug 2024: Tweet

  This is the correct decision by our new Government. The Rosebank oil field would be a disaster in the battle against climate change. Its emissions alone would be the same as 56 coal-fired power plants running for a year. Well done to everyone who has campaigned on this! https://twitter.com/StopCambo/status/1829040419126042907 [Source]

• 21 Jun 2024: Tweet

  So tax the oil and gas companies then given they've made billions off the backs of ordinary people while driving us to climate catastrophe. https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1804158142076366859 [Source]

• 25 Apr 2024: Tweet

  This Friday I'm bringing a Parliamentary Bill to ban MPs taking a single penny from oil & gas companies. These firms have driven up your energy bills and brought us to the edge of climate catastrophe. Yet some MPs have pocketed vast sums of money from them. It must be stopped. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1783520457112625186/photo/1 [Source]

• 25 Apr 2024: Tweet

  RT @RichardBurgon: The same fossil fuel firms behind record energy bills have brought us to the cliff edge of climate catastrophe. This we… [Source]

• 23 Apr 2024: Tweet

  The same fossil fuel firms behind record energy bills have brought us to the cliff edge of climate catastrophe. This week I'm bringing a Bill to stop MPs taking any financial donations from oil and gas firms. It's time to kick oil money out of politics. https://leftfootforward.org/2024/04/its-time-to-ban-mps-from-taking-donations-from-fossil-fuel-firms/ [Source]

• 15 Mar 2024: Tweet

  Young climate activists have led the way in demanding governments treat climate change as the emergency it is. It was great to meet Vanessa Nakate, a leading activist, about her campaigning. I also discussed with her my Bill to stop MPs taking any funding from oil & gas firms. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1768694141259542606/photo/1 [Source]

• 06 Mar 2024: Tweet

  The Tory Chancellor's Budget speech was 7,200 words long. There were ZERO mentions of inequality or climate change. And just ONE mention of poverty. Tells you all you need to know. [Source]

• 04 Feb 2024: Tweet

  Good to be out and about in Seacroft, Colton and Crossgates delivering copies of my latest report for East Leeds residents. It covers work I’ve been in doing in Parliament on the cost of living crisis, the NHS, climate change and more and some of my work back home in East Leeds. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1754204713061388560/photo/1 [Source]

• 10 Jan 2024: Tweet

  I just voted against the Tories' Anti-Boycott Bill. Whether it be to oppose Israel's illegal settlements that violate international law or the companies behind the climate crisis, people must have a right to boycott. Once again the Tories are trampling on key democratic rights. [Source]

• 08 Jan 2024: Tweet

  Today the Tories are bringing a new oil and gas Bill. This Bill will: ❌Not lower your energy bills ❌Do nothing to ensure energy security ❌Undermine the action needed on climate change As part of a cross-party group of MPs I'm calling for the Government to scrap this Bill. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1744326536675656096/photo/1 [Source]

• 20 Dec 2023: Tweet

  We wouldn’t let tobacco firms fund those working on health policy, so why do we allow fossil fuel companies to fund MPs who need to act on climate change? I've added my name to the No Fossil Funding Pledge. Join the campaign for a #FossilFreeParliament https://fossilfreeparliament.uk/no-fossil-funding-pledge/ https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1737494226361889029/photo/1 [Source]

• 15 Dec 2023: Tweet

  I had a fantastic time at the recent @oxfamgb youth-led event in parliament, held to coincide with #COP28 and showcase climate-themed artwork from schools across the UK. These creative students know the importance of tackling the climate crisis - our Government should take note! https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1735685262519246865/photo/1 [Source]

• 13 Dec 2023: Tweet

  The UN climate talks failed to do what is needed to phase out fossil fuels. For decades, oil and gas giants have used their vast influence to delay climate action. That's why this week I've brought a Bill to ban MPs from receiving any funding from fossil fuel companies. #COP28 [Source]

• 12 Dec 2023: Tweet

  The same oil and gas giants that forced up your energy bills have driven the climate crisis. We need to end the huge influence that oil and gas money has on our politics. So this week I've brought a Parliamentary Bill to ban MPs from receiving a single penny from these firms. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1734584944947585496/photo/1 [Source]

• 05 Dec 2023: Tweet

  A record number of fossil fuel lobbyists have been given access to this year's global climate talks. We need to end the influence that fossil fuel companies have on our politics. That's why I'm bringing a Parliamentary Bill to stop MPs receiving funding from oil & gas firms. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1732120458097533094/photo/1 [Source]

• 02 Dec 2023: Tweet

  These fossil fuel companies have brought us to the edge of climate catastrophe. It's time to end the huge influence they have over our politics. That's why next week I'm re-submitting my Parliamentary Bill banning MPs from receiving any money from the oil and gas giants. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1730952866045530231/photo/1 [Source]

• 01 Dec 2023: Tweet

  Ahead of the global climate talks, I asked the Government a simple question. Why should any other country listen to this Government on tackling climate change when it is pushing ahead with damaging new North sea oil and gas fields? https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1730221521778429953/video/1 [Source]

• 30 Nov 2023: Tweet

  Every leading climate body says we must phase out fossil fuel use. Yet our Government is going into the global climate talks backing new oil & gas fields. In Parliament, I called out their climate hypocrisy. The Minister then said new oil & gas will help "the greener economy”! https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1730221521778429953/video/1 [Source]

• 16 Nov 2023: Tweet

  Fossil fuel firms got rich while bringing us to the edge of climate catastrophe. These big polluters must now provide the finance urgently needed by the most climate-threatened countries. Great to meet the @MakePolluterPay coalition in Parliament this week #LossAndDamage https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1725247220214116718/photo/1 [Source]

• 25 Oct 2023: Tweet

  Fossil fuel companies have created a climate emergency. When world leaders gather for the UN Climate Change Conference next month, they must reach a global agreement to phase out fossil fuels. Great to join the @climateAPPG event demanding real action at COP28 on this. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1717169835606511861/photo/1 [Source]

• 23 Sep 2023: Tweet

  Fossil fuel giants have made hundreds of billions in profits while bringing us to the cliff edge of climate breakdown. They should pay for the action we need to tackle climate change around the world. Well done to everyone who joined the #MakePollutersPay day of action today. [Source]

• 21 Sep 2023: Tweet

  Rishi Sunak's net zero U-turn will increase British household bills by £8 BILLION over the next 10 years. Sunak pretends he's on your side - but this is really about boosting the profits of the fossil fuel giants. [Source]

• 20 Sep 2023: Tweet

  The Prime Minister is being deliberately dishonest. You don't meet Net Zero by 2050 by abandoning the steps needed to get there. This speech repeats the Tory errors of the past. It will mean higher energy bills, make us less energy secure and cost us 1000s of good green jobs. [Source]

• 20 Sep 2023: Tweet

  In Parliament yesterday, I accused the Government of handing billions in tax breaks to big oil companies while failing to properly support renewables. A disastrous move that will keep bills higher, make us less energy secure and cost thousands of good green jobs. #netzero https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1704493278538661969/video/1 [Source]

• 20 Sep 2023: Tweet

  When the Tories decided to cut "the green crap" last time it added hundreds of pounds to people's energy bills. Renewables are much cheaper than gas. Well insulated homes save people money. Rishi Sunak's weak climate leadership will cost you money. [Source]

• 19 Sep 2023: Tweet

  Liz Truss and her neoliberal allies now seem to be driving Tory climate policy. Sunak's reckless decision to dilute Net Zero measures will leave people with higher bills, cost us good green jobs and set back the fight against climate change. An unelected PM who offers nothing. [Source]

• 05 Sep 2023: Tweet

  @ChrisGPackham Thank you for pushing the need for real, decisive action to properly tackle the grave threat of climate change. [Source]

• 05 Sep 2023: Tweet

  RT @ChrisGPackham: Massive thanks and respect to @RichardBurgon for taking the time to discuss climate breakdown with the scientists yester… [Source]

• 05 Sep 2023: Tweet

  Yesterday I met with scientists campaigning for what the science makes clear is needed to avert climate catastrophe - no new oil and gas fields. I back their campaign and spoke with them about my Parliamentary Bill which would ban MPs from taking money from oil and gas giants. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1699051788530294927/photo/1 [Source]

• 11 Aug 2023: Tweet

  We can't expect MPs to fight climate change if they're financially benefiting from oil and gas companies. That's why I recently put down a new Parliamentary Bill banning MPs from receiving any money from the oil and gas giants. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1689920842346430464/photo/1 [Source]

• 31 Jul 2023: Tweet

  Granting 100+ new gas and oil licences is an act of climate vandalism. It won't lower bills or boost energy security - as this energy will be sold on global markets at global prices. And it will undermine the urgent transition we need to cheap, renewable energy. It's reckless. [Source]

• 27 Jul 2023: Tweet

  If we had a proper Windfall Tax on oil & gas companies, we could raise billions to fight climate change and tackle the cost of living crisis. But the priority for the Tories is to keep the profits flowing to the oil & gas giants. And they don't care that you're paying the price. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1684634777922457600/photo/1 [Source]

• 25 Jul 2023: Tweet

  .@BylineTimes coverage of my Bill to ban MPs taking any funding from oil and gas giants. These firms are behind record energy bills and have brought us to the brink of a climate catastrophe. We need to end the huge influence they have on our politics.https://bylinetimes.com/2023/07/18/bill-proposed-to-ban-mps-from-taking-oil-and-gas-funding-as-politicians-receive-thousands-from-polluting-firms/ [Source]

• 25 Jul 2023: Tweet

  The deadly heatwaves worldwide wouldn't be happening without climate change, scientists say. The economic damage caused by climate change will be huge. The human costs devastating. Our Government shouldn't water down climate measures, but strengthen them.https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jul/25/deadly-global-heatwaves-undeniably-result-of-climate-crisis-scientists-attribution [Source]

• 18 Jul 2023: Tweet

  Today in Parliament I presented my Bill to stop MPs receiving any money from oil and gas giants. The companies behind our record energy bills have brought us to the brink of a climate catastrophe. It's time to end the huge influence they have over our politics. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1681354828126076943/video/1 [Source]

• 18 Jul 2023: Tweet

  Oil and gas companies have brought us to the brink of climate catastrophe. We need to break the huge influence that these companies have long had over our politics. Today I'm presenting my Bill to prevent MPs receiving any financial or other benefit from oil and gas companies. https://twitter.com/RichardBurgon/status/1681201236417052672/photo/1 [Source]

• 10 Jul 2023: Tweet

  The UN is warning that climate change is out of control. Fossil fuel giants that brought us to the brink of catastrophe have too much influence on our politics. Next week, as promised, I'm bringing a Parliamentary Bill to ban MPs from taking any funding from oil and gas firms. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1678454625718992898/photo/1 [Source]

• 28 Jun 2023: Tweet

  The Government’s independent climate advisers now say the "expansion of fossil fuel production is not in line with Net Zero." Today I said it would be an act of climate vandalism for the Government to allow the huge Rosebank oil and gas field to go ahead. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1674133601095503878/video/1 [Source]

• 10 Jun 2023: Tweet

  People can't afford to feed their kids. Wages are falling. Mortgage costs and rents soaring. While the climate crisis is hitting ever harder. This is what our politics should be focused on. Instead we get another Tory soap opera. The sooner we can kick them all out the better. [Source]

• 18 Apr 2023: Parliamentary Speech

  7. What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the sixth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, published on 20 March 2023. ( 904476 )

  Full debate: Oral Answers to Questions

  New analysis shows that, if the Government allow the Rosebank oilfield off the Shetland Islands to go ahead, it will blow the UK’s climate targets. Rosebank’s developers will get billions in tax breaks due to the deliberate loopholes that the Government have put in their windfall tax, but it will do nothing to lower people’s bills. The United Nations Secretary-General, the International Energy Agency and leading scientists are all saying there should be no new oil and gas, so is it not time for the Minister to rule out Rosebank?

  Full debate: Oral Answers to Questions

• 30 Mar 2023: Tweet

  We are in a cost-of-living and climate emergency - driven by greedy oil and gas giants. Yet the Tories are planning a new huge oil field - and fossil giants will get billions in subsidies to develop it. No to the Rosebank oil field - Invest in renewables! #StopRosebank https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1641466894803689473/video/1 [Source]

• 24 Jan 2023: Tweet

  RT @NadiaWhittomeMP: Today my Climate Education Bill returns to Parliament. The climate emergency will affect every aspect of our society.… [Source]

• 19 Dec 2022: Parliamentary Speech

  The Bill does not protect all seafarers, by the way, as has already been mentioned in discussion about workers in the offshore renewables sector. If we want, as we do, a future of well-paid, green and unionised jobs that help us to tackle climate change and solve the ongoing energy crisis, we need to ensure that those jobs are well paid, secure and unionised, not part of a race to the bottom. We need to ensure that offshore workers in the green sector have proper protection as well.

  Full debate: Seafarers’ Wages Bill [Lords]

• 01 Dec 2022: Tweet

  RT @_OliviaBlake: Since the Paris agreement, the world’s 60 largest banks financed $3.8 trill worth of fossil fuel projects The vast wealt… [Source]

• 30 Nov 2022: Tweet

  Renewable energy is nine times cheaper than gas. But the Tory ban on onshore wind has helped keep bills unnecessarily high. In Parliament, I called on the Government to scrap this ban and put the interest of people struggling with their bills ahead of NIMBY Tory MPs. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1597982523388465153/video/1 [Source]

• 22 Nov 2022: Tweet

  At the end of #COP27, Rishi Sunak said “Keeping the 1.5 degrees commitment alive is vital to the future of our planet”. If he was serious, he'd reject the Rosebank oil field, the UK's largest undeveloped oil field. Instead, the Tories are planning a big expansion of oil & gas. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1595096155691814912/video/1 [Source]

• 21 Nov 2022: Tweet

  Government benches disturbingly sparsely populated for the Urgent Question on COP27. [Source]

• 09 Nov 2022: Tweet

  The most detailed inventory ever of greenhouse gas emissions has just come out. It shows oil & gas emissions are THREE TIMES higher than producers claim. Oil & gas projects account for half of the 50 largest sources of emissions. We need to end all new oil & gas projects. [Source]

• 07 Nov 2022: Tweet

  RT @antonioguterres: The climate crisis is the fight of our lives - and we are losing. But one thing is certain: those that give up are su… [Source]

• 07 Nov 2022: Tweet

  The very richest are driving the climate crisis. It takes 26 YEARS for a low earner in the UK to consume as much carbon as the very richest do in one year. We need to tax the high-polluting lifestyles of the top 1% and create a Climate Wealth Fund to tackle the climate crisis. [Source]

• 02 Nov 2022: Tweet

  As I told @BBCPolitics, it's not enough for Rishi Sunak to attend the global climate talks. It's time for real action: he needs to scrap all new oil and gas fields. And we need a massive push on renewables - which are NINE times cheaper. #COP27 https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1587821722241073152/video/1 [Source]

• 31 Oct 2022: Parliamentary Speech

  Even before the current energy crisis began, domestic energy bills steadily increased by 50% in real terms—inflation-adjusted—from 1996 to 2018. We see and people out there feel what privatisation means in practice. In practice, privatisation of our energy system means higher bills than needed. Research shows that prices are 20% to 30% lower in systems with public ownership. Privatisation means, in practice, wasting vital funds on lining the pockets of shareholders. Privatisation means, in practice, failing to invest enough in connecting renewable energy to the grid, with the needs of the current fossil fuel firms put first.

  What is the way forward? This petition, signed by well over 100,000 people, shows the way forward: nationalise the big five energy supply retail companies, most of which are just owned by bigger companies anyway. I welcome the plan from the TUC setting out how a publicly owned energy retail system could deliver a social pricing structure that lets everyone afford the energy they need to cook, clean and stay warm all year round, while the wealthiest with extravagant energy use pay more per unit. The way forward is also to bring the privatised monopolies of the National Grid and regional distribution into public ownership to help us prepare for the energy transition that we need. The way forward must include introducing permanent—and high—windfall taxes on North sea oil and gas companies that use the revenues to cut people’s bills, invest in renewable energy and pay for further nationalisation policies that will benefit the country.

  We must create a new state-owned renewable energy company to ensure that the errors of privatisation are not repeated. It is useful to reflect on the fact that nine out of 10 countries leading on green transition have a state-owned company leading the way on renewables. We cannot become fixated on continuing and defending privatisation because of ideological dogma and the hero worship of the Thatcher period. As someone once said, “What matters is what works.” Public ownership works; privatisation has failed. Let us have an energy system that puts people and planet before profit. If we do, that is a good way to set about helping to get people through this cost of living crisis and making way for a better, greener, fairer and more decent future.

  Full debate: Public Ownership of Energy Companies

• 28 Oct 2022: Tweet

  The UN is warning that we are on the verge of an irreversible climate catastrophe. And this is what the Environment Secretary - who'll be representing Britain at the global climate talks - has to say? It's beyond a joke. It's reckless. https://x.com/Haggis_UK/status/1585885795109703680/video/1 [Source]

• 27 Oct 2022: Tweet

  RT @johnestevens: In 48 hours as PM, Rishi Sunak has: ❌ Pulled out of attending Cop27 in Egypt ❌ Removed Cop president Alok Sharma from Ca… [Source]

• 19 Oct 2022: Vote

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

• 27 Sep 2022: Tweet

  Labour has just announced it'll set up Great British Energy - a publicly-owned company producing renewable energy that won't be there to make profits for rip-off firms but will keep bills down and help meet our climate targets. A crucial policy for the challenges we face. [Source]

• 24 Sep 2022: Tweet

  The same oil and gas giants behind soaring bills have taken us to the cliff edge on climate change. And they have too much power. It was great to kick off my meetings at Labour conference today at @TWT_NOW to discuss my coming Bill to ban MPs from taking oil and gas money. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1573775951594496003/photo/1 [Source]

• 22 Sep 2022: Tweet

  RT @WelshLabour: We won't solve the climate crisis by relying on more fossil fuels. That's something our Welsh Labour Government understan… [Source]

• 20 Sep 2022: Tweet

  RT @We_OwnIt: HUGE support from Labour voters for public ownership ???? Nationalisation would help with cost of living and climate crisis htt… [Source]

• 8 Sep 2022: Parliamentary Speech

  The profits of fossil fuel companies are being put before the people and before the planet. This approach is quite simply failing people who are today hit by higher bills, and I am afraid that it will also fail future generations hit by climate catastrophe.

  Full debate: UK Energy Costs

• 23 Aug 2022: Tweet

  Oil and gas giants have created a climate emergency and are driving up your energy bills. It's urgent we shift to cheaper renewable energy. But instead the Government has approved Shell's new Jackdaw gas field. Today I joined climate activists in Leeds to demand #StopJackdaw. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1562127689087176704/video/1 [Source]

• 21 Jul 2022: Tweet

  RT @chrischirp: Seems we have to learn to live with poverty, inequality, low wages, pandemics and planet threatening climate change. I gu… [Source]

• 20 Jul 2022: Tweet

  Oil and gas giants have driven the climate crisis. Yet Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi previously banked £1.3 million from an oil company while an MP. And Home Secretary Priti Patel accepted a £100,000 donation from a firm run by an oil trader. We need to put an end to this! https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1549654604400496640/photo/1 [Source]

• 19 Jul 2022: Tweet

  Climate catastrophe doesn't have to be our destiny. As I said in parliament before the last UN climate talks, what happens next is a matter of political will. Our actions from now on can help shape the lives of billions of people for the better. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1549470900298334210/video/1 [Source]

• 19 Jul 2022: Tweet

  The same oil and gas giants behind soaring bills have taken us to the cliff edge on climate change. These companies have too much influence on our economy and politics. When Parliament returns after the summer, I'll introduce a Bill to ban MPs from taking oil and gas money. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1549430649794301953/photo/1 [Source]

• 18 Jul 2022: Tweet

  RT @RichardBurgon: If we're going to limit climate change, then lots more of the economy is going to have to be under public ownership - in… [Source]

• 18 Jul 2022: Tweet

  The Spectator is attacking me for pointing out that the wealthiest people are fuelling the climate crisis. Here's what the UN says: "Developed nations, in particular the wealthy, bear greatest responsibility." The right-wing media know this. But they want to shift the blame. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1549075282254077956/photo/1 [Source]

• 18 Jul 2022: Tweet

  If we're going to limit climate change, then lots more of the economy is going to have to be under public ownership - including transport and energy. An economic model based on the endless pursuit of profit got us into this mess. It won't get us out of it. [Source]

• 17 Jul 2022: Tweet

  When climate change deniers say we had a heatwave like this in 1976 show them this. We shouldn't have political leaders debating whether to abandon Net Zero 2050 commitments. In fact we need to get there much much faster. We need to treat climate change as the emergency it is. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1548638858786521089/photo/1 [Source]

• 15 Jul 2022: Tweet

  As we face 40C temperatures and the first ever Red Extreme Heat Warning, remember this climate crisis is driven by the wealthy. The UK's wealthiest 1% of people each produce 11x the carbon emissions of someone in the poorest half of society. We must fight for climate justice! https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1548013441033523202/photo/1 [Source]

• 29 Jun 2022: Tweet

  Today the UK's climate watchdog @theCCCuk slammed the Government: ❌ Policies "will not deliver net-zero" ❌ "Scant evidence of delivery" ❌No “credible” plans for over half of emissions ❌"Shocking gap" in policy on home insulation ❌Proposed Cumbria coalmine is "indefensible" [Source]

• 19 May 2022: Tweet

  RT @ApsanaBegumMP: Instead of taking action to address the cost-of-living crisis and injustices like racism and climate breakdown, the gove… [Source]

• 04 Apr 2022: Tweet

  Today's UN climate report again underlines just how close we are to climate catastrophe. We urgently need our Government to maximise the shift to renewable energy and to insulate millions of homes. Instead it's planning to double down on expensive North Sea oil & gas. Reckless. [Source]

• 17 Jan 2022: Tweet

  RT @socialistcam: ???? TONIGHT ???? This evening we kick off our series of online policy seminars looking at the climate crisis. Speakers inclu… [Source]

• 13 Dec 2021: Vote

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

• 15 Nov 2021: Tweet

  I'm on a Parliamentary Committee today and so can't attend the #COP26 debate. But if I could have, I'd have told Boris Johnson that his backing of new oil fields, cuts to taxes on domestic flights & to international aid all undermined efforts to get the outcome needed at #COP26 [Source]

• 14 Nov 2021: Tweet

  The fossil fuel industry had the largest delegation at the climate summit. All fossil fuel lobbyists should be banned from attending future climate talks. [Source]

• 13 Nov 2021: Tweet

  When we needed real action to limit global warming to 1.5C the #COP26 agreement lets fossil fuel companies off the hook. One thing's clear: every advance in the fight against climate disaster is due to pressure from inspiring climate activists, not business as usual governments. [Source]

• 10 Nov 2021: Tweet

  RT @GretaThunberg: We are filing a legal petition to the UN secretary-general urging him to declare the climate crisis a global level 3 eme… [Source]

• 10 Nov 2021: Tweet

  RT @labourlewis: Today @BorisJohnson will speak again at #COP26. Here’s why you can’t trust a word he says. https://t.co/jG9nUDHOo1 [Source]

• 06 Nov 2021: Tweet

  Do you live in Seacroft? Are you concerned about climate catastrophe? Do you want to do something about it? Why not join Climate Action Seacroft: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486811335859071 #COP2GDA #Seacroft #Leeds #EastLeeds https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1457063784380567558/photo/1 [Source]

• 05 Nov 2021: Tweet

  It was rewarding and inspiring to discuss the climate emergency with young people from East Leeds who are part of the @ChapelFM youth delegation to #COP26. They see so clearly the scale of the action needed to be avert climate catastrophe. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1456738520131833859/photo/1 [Source]

• 04 Nov 2021: Tweet

  Instead of letting Jeff Bezos address COP26, he should be hit with a Wealth Tax to fund a global Green New Deal. We need real action to tackle the high-polluting lifestyles of the top 1% that fuel the climate crisis. My new article for @LabourOutlook http://labouroutlook.org/2021/11/03/lets-hike-taxes-on-the-top-1-to-help-tackle-their-carbon-emissions-richard-burgon-mp/ [Source]

• 2 Nov 2021: Parliamentary Speech

  The second point I wish to make is that this Budget was a chance for the Government to put their money where their mouth is and fund a green transition to avoid climate catastrophe, which is the greatest example of free market failure. We needed a green new deal that created millions of decent, unionised, green jobs, transforming the basis of our economy while preparing us for the challenges of the future. Instead, the Government’s pledges fall tens of billions of pounds short of the levels of green investment we need to hit our carbon targets. So many people watching at home were shocked—they thought they had misheard—when in the Budget the Chancellor announced that he was slashing taxes on UK internal flights. People could not believe their ears. The Government are also sanctioning new oil and gas fields. We should be tackling the high-polluting lifestyles of the wealthy, which are fuelling the climate crisis. That is why I have called for a tax hike on the incomes of the richest 1%—those on more than £150,000 per year.

  Full debate: Budget Resolutions

• 02 Nov 2021: Tweet

  Jeff Bezos flew in his private jet to COP26 and is funding a climate-damaging private space race. The Billionaire class that caused this climate crisis won't solve it. Instead of letting Bezos address COP26, he should be hit with a Wealth Tax to fund a global Green New Deal. [Source]

• 02 Nov 2021: Tweet

  The climate crisis is the greatest ever failure of free-market capitalism. We need a Green New Deal now. ✅ Millions of unionised, green jobs ✅ Public ownership of energy and transport ✅ Insulating millions of homes ✅ Huge investment in renewables and an end to fossil fuels [Source]

• 01 Nov 2021: Tweet

  Boris Johnson will address the global climate talks today. Every journalist there should ask him why he's set to sign-off on a new oil field in Scotland that would produce up to 170 million barrels of oil. The time for talk is over - we need real action against fossil fuels. [Source]

• 31 Oct 2021: Tweet

  Ahead of the COP26 climate talks, I spoke in Parliament about how we can still stop catastrophic climate change - but only if we treat it as the global emergency that it is. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1451575767775731717/video/1 [Source]

• 29 Oct 2021: Tweet

  Ahead of COP26, it was great to meet young climate activists from @_TeachtheFuture outside Parliament this week. Their campaign to make climate change and the ecological emergency a central part of the curriculum is crucial to tackling this crisis. #climateeducation https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1454124525893869569/photo/1 [Source]

• 27 Oct 2021: Tweet

  The week before historic global climate talks - when the UN is warning we are far from what's needed to prevent climate catastrophe - the Chancellor has just CUT taxes on UK INTERNAL flights. We should be investing in train travel - not encouraging even more domestic flights. [Source]

• 22 Oct 2021: Tweet

  We are at the most important moment in human history - with a small window to act to prevent climate catastrophe. Billions of lives will be affected if we don't start to treat climate change like the global emergency it is. My speech to Parliament ahead of COP26. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1451575767775731717/video/1 [Source]

• 21 Oct 2021: Parliamentary Speech

  We are living in the most important moment of human history, when our actions will determine whether we prevent climate catastrophe. If we fail to rise to the challenge, billions of lives will be devastated, unimaginable numbers of lives will be lost and the existence of much of life on Earth will be put in real danger. When the IPCC warns of code red for humanity and NASA scientists warn of climate emergency, we must act like we are in an emergency—because we are.

  But there is hope: we have the policies needed to prevent catastrophe, summed up in a green new deal. We have the alternative technology; currently, we do not have the political will. Climate catastrophe does not have to be our destiny: it is a matter of choice.

  Full debate: COP26: Limiting Global Temperature Rises

• 20 Oct 2021: Tweet

  Just two weeks from COP26, the Government should be showing climate leadership. Instead, Tory MPs tonight voted against tougher environmental protections. [Source]

• 13 Oct 2021: Tweet

  We must do everything possible to prevent catastrophic climate change. But significant climate impacts are already inevitable. That means, as well as driving down emissions, we must prepare for coming climate shocks if we're to protect millions of lives.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58883234 [Source]

• 26 Sep 2021: Tweet

  Absolutely brilliant that Labour delegates have voted to support the Green New Deal motion. The climate crisis is the greatest threat we face. Public ownership is key to tackling it. Well done to everyone who has campaigned for this especially @LabGND and @fbunational. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1442114304447111173/photo/1 [Source]

• 26 Sep 2021: Tweet

  RT @LabGND: Our motion is now beimg moved by @MattWrack of the @fbunational The climate crisis is a catastrophe that affects each and eve… [Source]

• 23 Sep 2021: Tweet

  Boris Johnson talked a lot about climate change at the UN. Good. But the time for talk is over. We need action. His Government's own Climate Committee says he's got no plans to meet UK climate targets. He should start by stopping the new Cumbria coal mine & Shetland oil field. [Source]

• 16 Sep 2021: Tweet

  The greatest crisis facing humanity is the climate crisis. Labour party delegates to Conference must have the right to discuss the Labour for a Green New Deal motion, submitted by 21 local parties. It's outrageous that it's been ruled out. [Source]

• 11 Aug 2021: Tweet

  RT @LabGND: Labour members and the public demand radical action to tackle the climate crisis. ???? The popularity of our Green Jobs Revolutio… [Source]

• 10 Aug 2021: Tweet

  Every time a Tory Minister is on the media over climate change, journalists should ask: Will you stop the new oil field off Shetland? Prevent the new Cumbria coal mine? End UK funding for the mega-gas project in Mozambique? The time for talk is over - we need real action. [Source]

• 08 Aug 2021: Tweet

  The world is suffering unprecedented fire and floods. Yet in the same breath as warning of a climate catastrophe, the Tory climate chief backs new oil fields. The Tories won't fight the climate crisis - they're too attached to the very same broken economic model that caused it. https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1424440622514118660/photo/1 [Source]

• 26 Jul 2021: Tweet

  The climate emergency is here and now. But the Tories are failing to take the action needed. My article on why Labour must lead the fight for climate action and for a Green New Deal. ???? https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/labour-lead-britain-netzero https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1419582104325824517/photo/1 [Source]

• 23 Jul 2021: Tweet

  The climate emergency is here and now. In just 100 days time Britain will hold the UN climate talks but the Tory government is failing to deliver the action needed. I've written for @politicshome on why Labour must lead the fight for a Green New Deal. https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/labour-lead-britain-netzero https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1418544566400126978/photo/1 [Source]

• 16 Jul 2021: Tweet

  The shocking scenes in Germany show why we need urgent action on climate change. We can't go into the climate crisis as badly prepared as we were for this health crisis. My new article on why Labour must lead the fight to get Britain to net-zero. https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/labour-lead-britain-netzero [Source]

• 08 Jul 2021: Tweet

  Steve Turner’s vision for well paid green jobs helping to tackle the climate crisis is one of the many reasons I’m proud to back him to become General Secretary of Unite the Union. https://twitter.com/SteveT_Unite/status/1413113293691047945 [Source]

• 18 Jun 2021: Tweet

  A productive afternoon speaking with constituents on issues ranging from housing to climate change. If you’re an East Leeds resident and need my help or want to share your views on an issue important to you, don’t hesitate to get in touch ???? https://x.com/RichardBurgon/status/1405932058195775492/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

• 4 Mar 2021: Parliamentary Speech

  The Government may counter that they are fixing the economy and that a higher tide will lift all boats. That is simply a lie. The Budget will see Britain continuing as a low-growth—just 1.7%—economy once the end-of-lockdown boost wears off. We have low growth, falling living standards and hollowed-out public services. For most people, I am afraid that it will feel very similar to the last decade, but it does not have to be. This should have been the Budget to invest massively in growth, in tackling inequality, in jobs, in tackling the climate crisis, in rebuilding our public services, in social housing and in moving us to a high-skill, high-wage economy.

  Instead, public investment will remain pathetically low, and the main stimulus is a £25 billion corporate handout that may bring business investment forward but, as the Government’s figures show, will not increase overall investment levels. Those funds should instead have gone into a huge state investment programme also funded by record low borrowing costs and taxes on the super-rich, starting with a 50% rate on those on over £125,000. That could spur a shift to net-zero with a green new deal, build modern transport and infrastructure fit for the 21st century, lead to a mass house building programme, and renew our public services, all boosting growth, which is the best way to pay off the debt, but also creating decent jobs and helping to rebuild communities left behind for far, far too long.

  Full debate: Income Tax (Charge)

• 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

• 25 Jun 2019: Vote

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

• 23 Apr 2019: Parliamentary Speech

  Climate change is now receiving the public attention that it merits. Greta Thunberg is in the House today, and my party pays tribute to her work. All too often, however, our justice system restricts the ability of citizens to take legal action against environmentally damaging decisions. Last month, the United Nations criticised the Government’s failure to meet their international obligations relating to access to justice in environmental matters.

  Full debate: Topical Questions

• 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