Rishi Sunak has faced criticism for deciding not to travel to COP27
(Picture: Victoria Jones/PA)The Prime Minister has come under fire after having pulled out of the upcoming COP27 climate summit set to kick off on Sunday, November 6 in Egypt.
Rishi Sunak has insisted that while he would not be making the event, he remains “personally committed” to tackling the climate crisis.
The PM said that his attention over the coming weeks should be focused on the UK economy ahead of Jeremy Hunt’s financial statement, scheduled to be delivered on November 17.
Mr Sunak said: “It’s important to me that, as Prime Minister, we leave behind an environment that is better for our children and grandchildren. I’m very passionate about that. I’m very personally committed to it.
“I just think, at the moment, it’s right that I’m also focusing on the depressing domestic challenges we have with the economy.
“I think that’s what people watching would reasonably expect me to be doing as well.”
Shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband spoke out against Rishi Sunak for deciding not to travel to Egypt, saying that it demonstrated a “massive failure of leadership”.
Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries shared similar disapproval saying: “The Prime Minister is WRONG not to go to COP. Global warming is the biggest crisis facing our planet and net zero creates many 1000s of jobs which is good for the economy.”
Green MP Caroline Lucas claimed: “The new PM’s decision not to attend COP27 makes a mockery of any government claims on continued climate leadership — and what a shameful way to end the UK’s COP presidency.”
What do you think about Rishi not attending COP27? Let us know in the comments below for the chance to be featured on the ES website.
