By John Ikani
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will attend the COP27 Summit in Egypt next week, he said on Wednesday, reversing a much-criticised decision to snub the annual climate gathering in order to work on pressing economic issues at home.
In a statement on Twitter, the prime minister said: “There is no long-term prosperity without action on climate change.
“There is no energy security without investing in renewables. That is why I will attend COP27 next week: to deliver on Glasgow’s legacy of building a secure and sustainable future.”
The move may open the door for King Charles to attend as well, just five days after No 10 had said it was not the “right occasion” for him to do so.
Sunak had faced criticism from climate activists, opposition politicians and even some within his own party after his office said last week he was expected to skip the 27th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference to focus on “pressing domestic commitments including preparations for the Autumn Budget.”
Within days, Downing Street changed course, saying the PM’s attendance was “under review”, depending on progress around preparation for the economic statement, set for 17 November.
The UN’s two-week COP27 summit will be hosted by Egypt next month, from Nov. 6 to 18.
The annual UN climate summits are designed to help governments agree steps to limit global temperature rises. The UK hosted COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.
