Keir Starmer strongly criticized Reform and the Conservative Party in a resolute pledge to uphold Britain’s environmental commitments. Addressing the COP 30 conference in Belem, Brazil, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgent need to prioritize achieving net zero emissions to prevent adverse effects on energy costs and national security.
Starmer’s remarks came in response to Kemi Badenoch’s declaration to revoke the UK Government’s climate targets and Nigel Farage’s vow to eliminate net zero goals and associated subsidies. During his speech at the global summit, the PM highlighted the shift in consensus within the UK, with some parties neglecting the potential benefits of embracing eco-friendly advancements.
He underscored the repercussions of inaction, stressing that delaying climate action would exacerbate issues like escalating energy prices, missed opportunities for growth, and heightened security risks. Referring to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, Starmer expressed solidarity with affected nations while urging a collective commitment to seize the opportunities presented by addressing climate change.
Earlier, the Labour Party refuted criticisms from Badenoch regarding Starmer’s attendance at COP, emphasizing the importance of showcasing UK leadership on the world stage and fostering economic opportunities domestically. The opposition party challenged Badenoch’s stance, highlighting the significant workforce in clean energy and the need to prioritize sustainable practices over outdated arguments.
Recent polling unveiled widespread concerns among voters about the impact of the climate crisis on future generations. ActionAid UK’s survey revealed that a majority of the public worries about climate change, with a significant portion feeling that the government’s efforts and spending on climate action are insufficient. Despite these apprehensions, the study showed relatively low levels of concern among working individuals about the immediate effects on their jobs or those of their acquaintances.
Zahra Hdidou, Senior Climate and Resilience Advisor at ActionAid UK, emphasized the necessity for proactive measures to reduce carbon emissions to ensure a safe and prosperous environment for future generations. Hdidou called for increased support to vulnerable communities affected by climate change, emphasizing the UK’s responsibility as a major historical contributor to global emissions.
