LONDON: Outgoing President of COP26 Alok Sharma criticized the PM Rishi Sunak for saying he would not attend the upcoming climate summit in Egypt and warning that he could lose the next general election because of his decision.
Agra-born Sharma, who lost his cabinet post in Sunak’s first reshuffle, told The Sunday Times: “I’m disappointed the prime minister isn’t leaving. I understand that he has a huge basket of domestic problems to deal with. But going to COP27 would allow for engagement with other world leaders. I think that sends a signal – should the Prime Minister leave – about our renewed engagement on this issue. »
Sharma cited the example of Australia. “If you look at what happened in the Australian election (this summer), one of the reasons the Conservatives didn’t win was because people didn’t feel like they were taking this issue seriously enough. serious.”
Many world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, will attend the Sharm el-Sheikh summit. Even former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly plans to attend.
#10 said Sunak will not attend the November 6-18 summit as he has other pressing national commitments, including preparations for the fall statement – outlining the government’s plans for the economy – which is due to come midway through the summit meeting. COP27.
A government spokesman said: “The UK will be fully represented by senior ministers, including foreign, business and environment secretaries as well as COP President Alok Sharma. ”
King Charles, a keen environmentalist, will also not be present, due to advice he received from the former British Prime Minister. Liz Truss. Sunak did not change this advice.
The King will instead hold a reception at Buckingham Palace for business leaders, policy makers and NGOs on November 4.
Tory MP John Redwood tweeted: “Alok Sharma should urge China, the US and India, which produce more than half of the world’s CO2, to match the UK cuts. He is wrong to criticize the Prime Minister for having work to do here rather than adding to international jet travel.
Agra-born Sharma, who lost his cabinet post in Sunak’s first reshuffle, told The Sunday Times: “I’m disappointed the prime minister isn’t leaving. I understand that he has a huge basket of domestic problems to deal with. But going to COP27 would allow for engagement with other world leaders. I think that sends a signal – should the Prime Minister leave – about our renewed engagement on this issue. »
Sharma cited the example of Australia. “If you look at what happened in the Australian election (this summer), one of the reasons the Conservatives didn’t win was because people didn’t feel like they were taking this issue seriously enough. serious.”
Many world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, will attend the Sharm el-Sheikh summit. Even former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly plans to attend.
#10 said Sunak will not attend the November 6-18 summit as he has other pressing national commitments, including preparations for the fall statement – outlining the government’s plans for the economy – which is due to come midway through the summit meeting. COP27.
A government spokesman said: “The UK will be fully represented by senior ministers, including foreign, business and environment secretaries as well as COP President Alok Sharma. ”
King Charles, a keen environmentalist, will also not be present, due to advice he received from the former British Prime Minister. Liz Truss. Sunak did not change this advice.
The King will instead hold a reception at Buckingham Palace for business leaders, policy makers and NGOs on November 4.
Tory MP John Redwood tweeted: “Alok Sharma should urge China, the US and India, which produce more than half of the world’s CO2, to match the UK cuts. He is wrong to criticize the Prime Minister for having work to do here rather than adding to international jet travel.
