9ú Téarma Parlaiminteach Theresa GRIFFIN

I voted in favour. Labour MEPs have been pushing for the European Parliament to adopt an unequivocal statement to demonstrate its commitment on fighting climate change. It is an important step in putting climate action at the top of the EU agenda. In declaring the climate emergency, MEPs urged the new European Commission to fully assess the climate and environmental impact of all relevant legislative and budgetary proposals and ensure that they are all fully aligned with the objective of limiting global warming to under 1.5°C, and that they are not contributing to biodiversity loss.

I along with Labour colleagues voted in favour. This resolution was adopted with strong wording about the need for the European Investment Bank to divest from fossil fuels and the need for an EU climate law. A target of 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 was adopted and the deletion of positive language around Carbon Capture and Storage was rejected.

Further action from the European Commission is needed to ensure the remaining seven Member States ratify the Convention. S&D FEMM has highlighted Istanbul Convention ratification from Member States and European Union accession as a key priority of this mandate. I along with S&D colleagues voted in favour of this report.