Rishi Sunak Criticized For Skipping COP27 Climate Summit

Rishi Sunak Criticized For Skipping COP27 Climate Summit: Rishi Sunak says the UK has shown “unmatched” leadership on the climate crisis. Keir Starmer accused the new prime minister of an ‘absolute failure of leadership’ in deciding not to attend the conference, which begins in Egypt next month. Sunak said he was “very passionate” and “very personally committed” to the environment.

Rishi Sunak is accused of ‘failure of leadership’ for not attending the COP27 climate summit. Opposition parties and environmental groups said the decision shows he does not take climate change seriously enough. The PM has other domestic commitments, including preparations for the autumn Budget, Downing Street said.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said: “Protecting the planet is absolutely a priority for the government”. The UK will not have a major political figure in attendance at COP27, unlike COP26. Alok Sharma will be there as outgoing COP president, but he is not of the same rank as a PM or monarch. Earlier this month, Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles would not be attending the conference. No 10 have confirmed Climate Minister Graham Stuart will no longer attend cabinet.