Pm Sunak faces pressure to attend Cop28 and stay true to net zero

MPs Call on PM Sunak to Attend Cop28 and Stay True to Net Zero

A cross-party group of influential politicians is urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to demonstrate climate leadership by attending the UN climate summit, Cop28, in Dubai this November. The group, organized by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Climate, includes prominent figures such as former Conservative environment minister Lord Goldsmith and former Labour environment secretary Hilary Benn. They have also called on Sunak to commit to an "urgent phase-out of fossil fuels" and prioritize green policies. The MPs and peers emphasize that mixed signals on the UK's commitment to climate action are undermining progress and damaging the country's reputation as a world leader on climate change. They believe that attending Cop28 and setting clear goals for phasing out fossil fuels will not only benefit the environment but also have economic advantages. They argue that continuing to rely on gas at the current level will be twice as costly as transitioning to net zero.

PM Considers Reevaluation of Green Policies

Following the recent Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election, where Conservative opposition to the expansion of London's ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez) played a significant role in their victory, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has signaled a potential reevaluation of green policies. The government is considering whether to delay or even abandon certain measures that directly impact consumers, such as the ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and the phasing out of gas boilers by 2035. Sunak has emphasized the need for a proportionate and pragmatic approach to reaching net zero, stating that policies should not unnecessarily burden households with additional costs. Downing Street has confirmed that the government will continually examine and scrutinize green measures, taking into account factors such as costs and changing technology. However, any decision to water down these policies may face legal challenges from environmental groups, as the government has a legal obligation to meet its net zero target by 2050.

Balancing Environmental and Political Pressures

The prime minister's potential shift in green policies has drawn both support and criticism from within his own party. Some Conservative MPs argue that abandoning popular net zero policies would be a missed opportunity to create jobs and attract investment. They stress that environmental action can be popular if it is fair and affordable. On the other hand, there are members of the Conservative right wing who view green policies as unpopular and expensive, suggesting that the government should prioritize the interests of voters. Labour leader Keir Starmer has also faced pressure not to retreat on his climate and environment proposals following the Uxbridge by-election. The letter from the cross-party group of MPs and peers urges both major parties to maintain their net-zero commitments and work together to secure an international agreement on phasing out fossil fuels.

Striking a Balance Between Environmental and Political Pressures

As the government navigates these debates, it must strike a balance between environmental concerns and political pressures. The challenge lies in finding solutions that are both effective in addressing climate change and acceptable to the public. The journey to a net-zero Britain offers economic opportunities and energy affordability, but it requires careful consideration of the costs and impacts on households. Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure a successful outcome at Cop28 and maintain the UK's position as a world leader in climate action.