Friday 5 November 2021

Urging global action at COP26

The UK hosts COP26 between 31st October and 13th November. The summit is seen as a significant moment as the world comes together to address the imminent threat of climate change.

Since being elected in 2010, I have been a vocal campaigner in tackling climate change both nationally and locally. my campaign opposing Whittonstall and Halton Lea Gate open cast coal mines in my constituency. I was also strongly opposed to the plans of a new open cast mine at Dewley Hill, describing the plans at the time as a complete climate change disaster waiting to happen. 

L-R: Jos Forester-Melville, Eileen Killen, and my constituent Helen Crowe at Dewley Hill in 2019

Nationally, as the UK’s Pensions Minister, I guided the landmark Pension Schemes Act through Parliament in October 2020, ensuring that UK pension schemes take due account of climate change in their investment practices.



A video explaining the Pension Schemes Act


Conservative-run Northumberland County Council were one of the first local authorities to announce a ‘climate emergency’ and have an ambitious target of hitting carbon neutrality by 2030.

In the biggest step forward in protecting the world’s forests in a generation, more than 100 leaders have committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 at an event convened by the Prime Minister at COP26 this week. The pledge is backed by almost £14 billion ($19.2 billion) in public and private funding

As the first major economy to commit in law to net zero by 2050 and hosts of the historic UN COP26 climate summit, the UK is leading international efforts and setting the bar for countries around the world to follow.

In the biggest step forward in protecting the world’s forests in a generation, more than 100 leaders have committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 at an event convened by the Prime Minister at COP26 this week. The pledge is backed by almost £14 billion ($19.2 billion) in public and private funding.

Through our 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, the UK is taking firm action to reduce our carbon emissions. However, globally, more must be done. I hope leaders from around the world will come to COP26 ready to agree a clear plan to reduce carbon emissions and protect our planet for future generations to come.