British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave in to pressure and criticism and announced on Wednesday that he will attend the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from November 6-18.
“There is no long-term prosperity without action on climate change. There is no energy security without investing in renewable energy. That’s why I’m going to COP27 next week: to fulfill Glasgow’s legacy of building a secure and sustainable future to build.” on the social network Twitter.
There is no long-term prosperity without climate change action.
There is no energy security without investing in renewable energy sources.
That’s why I’m in @COP27P next week: to live up to Glasgow’s legacy of building a secure and sustainable future.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) Nov 2, 2022
Sunak, who took office last week, initially claimed he would not travel to focus on preparing the tax plan to be presented on Nov. 17.
However, he was criticized by the opposition and members of the government itself and the Conservative party, and on Tuesday the pastor, Boris Johnson, told Sky News he would be attending the summit.
Conservative Alok Sharma, chairman of COP26, which took place in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021, expressing disappointment at Sunak’s absence, said on Wednesday that he was pleased with the prime minister’s retreat.
“I’m happy to see Sunak’s blatant withdrawal from COP27, but what a shameful misstep on the world stage. Let this be a lesson to you – climate leadership matters,” said Caroline Lucas, the only MP for the Green Party.
Former Labor Party leader Ed Miliband said Sunak will “avoid the shame of not showing leadership”.
The British press had already reported that the head of government was considering changing his mind. A YouGov poll estimated that 61 percent of Britons were for Sunak to go to COP27 and 20 percent against.
On Sunday, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III will host an event with business leaders, politicians and international organizations to mark the end of the UK’s climate summit presidency.
The monarch, known for his activism on environmental issues, was advised by the government not to travel to Egypt.
The 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) will take place from 6 to 18 November in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Leaders such as US President Joe Biden have already confirmed that they will attend.
Source: DN
