Chairman:

On behalf of the committee, I extend a very warm welcome to Professor Peter Stott from the Met Office Hadley Centre. He is also professor of detection and attribution at the University of Exeter and is one of the world's leading experts in the detection and attribution of climate change. Professor Stott has made an important contribution to the subject matter of our discussions as he addressed the Citizens' Assembly in 2017 on the impact of climate change, international evidence and experience.

Before we commence our formal proceedings, I will begin with some formalities. I wish to advise the witnesses of the following. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given, and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Professor Peter Stott to make his opening statement.