‘Committee on COP’ to continue scrutinising UK Presidency in 2022

The informal ‘Committee on COP’ is to continue scrutinising the UK’s presidency of UN climate talks during 2022.

• Environmental Audit Committee

In 2021, the ‘Committee on COP26’ held six evidence sessions focussing on preparations ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. The hearings have focussed on areas ranging from Glasgow’s readiness to host delegates to climate finance, and engagement with business to the UK’s climate leadership.

On 7th December, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) hosted an evidence session of the ‘Committee on COP’ with COP President Alok Sharma and key officials from the Cabinet Office’s COP unit. During the evidence session, EAC Chair Philip Dunne asked Alok Sharma to agree to appear before committees in the ‘Committee on COP’ formation, as the UK works with Egypt and the UAE – designated to host COP27 and COP28 – and the Government continues to develop its domestic policies to deliver net zero by 2050.

Alok Sharma accepted this invitation, explaining that there were a number of commitments made during COP26 that the UK Presidency would like to see delivered.

It is anticipated that at least two evidence sessions will be held in 2022, including one before Easter and one by July 2022.