I am delighted to have co-chaired the first session in our inquiry into racism and the climate emergency, alongside Baroness Natalie Bennett.

Due to where votes fell on the day, unfortunately I was not able to make most of the session. A member of my staff attended in my place.

The speakers told the inquiry that the pollution and exploitation of the Niger Delta by British oil giant Shell is inextricably linked to the cost of living crisis in the UK, an issue that is disproportionately felt by communities of colour.

This inquiry hopes that by bringing the voices of the communities of colour most affected by the environmental emergency into parliament, we can develop a more inclusive environmental policy in the UK.