To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of the impact of the Energy Charter Treaty on the UK’s net-zero target.

The UK remains committed to ensuring that the right to regulate to reach net zero is protected in all our trade agreements, including the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). The UK supports the work of the ECT in promoting investment in the energy sector and fostering international energy cooperation, including in the development of renewable energy worldwide.

The ECT specifically addresses environmental obligations, including calling on Member States to minimise the environmental impacts of energy operations. Member States of the ECT are currently engaged in a process to modernise the Treaty and as the modernisation process develops, we will ensure that it delivers for the Government’s priorities, which include tackling climate change and supporting the global clean energy transition.