Keir Starmer strongly criticized Reform and the Conservative Party, reaffirming his dedication to enhancing Britain’s environmental efforts. Addressing the COP 30 conference in Belem, Brazil, the Prime Minister cautioned that not fully committing to achieving net zero emissions would have severe consequences on energy costs and national security.
This statement came in response to Kemi Badenoch’s pledge to revoke the UK Government’s climate commitments and Nigel Farage’s vow to eliminate net zero targets and associated subsidies. During his speech at the global summit, the PM highlighted the loss of consensus in Britain regarding green initiatives, emphasizing the urgency of embracing the opportunities presented by the green revolution.
He questioned the wisdom of delaying action on climate change, stressing that energy security, affordable energy bills, and the competitiveness for green jobs and investments cannot afford to wait. The PM warned that inaction would exacerbate existing problems, leading to higher prices, missed opportunities, and heightened security risks for the nation.
Referencing the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, he expressed solidarity with the affected regions and urged for a collective commitment to seize the opportunities presented by addressing climate change effectively. Labour pushed back against criticism from Badenoch, defending the PM’s participation at COP as a demonstration of UK leadership on the global stage and a driver of job creation and economic opportunities across the country.
Amid growing concerns about the climate crisis, a majority of voters expressed worries about its impact on future generations. ActionAid UK polling revealed that 62% of the public are concerned about climate change, with 37% believing that the government’s efforts and spending on climate action are insufficient.
Despite these apprehensions, only a small percentage of working individuals expressed concerns about the impact of climate change on their current job or that of their family or friends. ActionAid UK’s Senior Climate and Resilience Advisor, Zahra Hdidou, emphasized the importance of urgent action to reduce carbon emissions to ensure a safe and sustainable planet for future generations, calling on politicians to increase support for vulnerable communities affected by climate change.