Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said “Britain is back and ready to play its full part” in tackling climate change, recommitting the Government to its 2050 net zero target during his first address to the UN Cop31 summit in Turkey.
Speaking on Thursday at the annual climate gathering in Antalya, Mr Burnham pledged a “new era of British leadership over the next decade” and said the UK would work with other countries to help them reach their own net zero goals.
Climate crisis ‘upon us all now’
The Prime Minister warned that the “climate crisis is not a distant threat; it is upon us all now, devastating lives and livelihoods everywhere”, referring to what he described as a “not normal” summer of extreme heat, wildfires and drought.
He also linked global conflicts to fossil fuel dependence, saying: “Meanwhile, two wars across two continents have sent fuel prices and gas bills soaring for families and businesses across the world. The common thread running through all of this: our dependence on fossil fuels.”
Mr Burnham stated: “The message I carry here at my first Cop as UK Prime Minister is this: we’re committed to meeting our 2050 net zero target, and committed to working with all of our partners to reach theirs.”
Only G7 leader at the summit
Mr Burnham is expected to be the only G7 leader to address the summit in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, with US President Donald Trump declining to send a delegation for the second year running.
He was the first speaker at the conference on Thursday, addressing a half-empty plenary hall at the start of the session. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan were in the audience.
In his remarks, Mr Burnham said: “Britain will live up to its commitments. We will help our friends as they live up to theirs. Britain is back and ready to play its full part.”
New climate security appointment
As part of these efforts, the Prime Minister announced that Dame Madeleine Alessandri, former chairwoman of the Joint Intelligence Committee which provides ministers with national security assessments, has been appointed special representative for climate security.
Calling on industry leaders to “play their part” to help people on all incomes make the green transition, Mr Burnham said: “This crisis can only be solved in partnership. I have pledged a new era of British leadership over the next decade.
“The consensus we once enjoyed on science and climate has gone, and the reality is now the world will reach 1.5 degrees. Climate leadership and action have become more urgent. Britain will answer the call.”
