§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Prime Minister what discussions he had on the issue of climate change and Kyoto with the Australian Prime Minister during the recent Commonwealth talks; and if he will make a statement on climate change negotiations, with particular reference to Kyoto. [44051]
§ The Prime MinisterThe issue of climate change was discussed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting where the final communiqu" stated "Head of Government expressed concern about the consequences of global warming and climate change, especially for the vulnerable small island states arid other low-lying areas".
I firmly believe that the Kyoto Protocol remains the only workable basis to take forward international action to tackle climate change. We intend to ratify the Protocol in time for it to enter into force by the World Summit on Sustainable Development. A European Community decision to ratify Kyoto, which paved the way for the UK and the other EU member states to complete their own ratification procedures, was adopted on 4 March. On 7 March, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made a statement to the House setting in motion the process of UK ratification of the Protocol, 324W which will be completed on or shortly after 19 April. UK And EU ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will send an important message to the world that we are committed to the Protocol and to tackling climate change.