4. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Climate Change: COP26

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:59 pm on 16 November 2021.

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Photo of Lee Waters Lee Waters Labour 3:59, 16 November 2021

Thank you to Mike Hedges for those comments. I do think Wales is already an example to the world in many of the actions that we are currently taking. Certainly, one thing that's struck me, and Members will know that I'm not somebody who's uncritical of our own Government's performance—what was very striking was the way that Wales was being held up throughout COP by other countries of a similar size and regions of larger countries as an example of a country that was taking action and provided inspiration to others, whether that be on recycling levels or indeed on our roads review, which has gained significant international interest. So, I think we already are taking action that is providing an example to others, and we need to continue to do that.

On his point about hybrid working, the Welsh Government does have a target of 30 per cent remote working for precisely that reason. We want to make sure that the benefits that were gained during the COVID lockdown of reduced emissions from people working from home are not lost as we move back to near normal. So, it's important that all businesses and the public sector look to see how hybrid working can become normal, and I would hope and expect the Senedd to be part of that. 

On his final point, I only half scribbled the note and I've now forgotten what it was—apologies. Feel free to—