Why isn't Rishi Sunak attending COP27?
Rishi Sunak has confirmed he will not attend COP27 in November
Why isn’t Rishi Sunak attending COP27 and why does it matter? Before we get into that, I believe COP should be a virtual conference. The world needs to reduce carbon emissions and the carbon footprint for the UN Secretary-General alone is 2,229 KG (Return trip from JFK to Cairo), per the UN’s air travel carbon tracker.
Back to Mr Sunak. According to a spokesperson, the PM has got other pressing matters to deal with. I do agree there is a lot on Mr Sunak’s plate, but he has the power to delegate tasks. Could that be the answer, that he trusts his cabinet ministers to represent the United Kingdom? There is also a counter argument that the Environment Secretary is not best positioned to represents the nation’s needs in Cairo.
“It is a recognition of other pressing domestic commitments, not least preparations for the autumn budget,” a spokeswoman for No. 10 Downing Street said. “We remain committed to net zero and to leading international and domestic action to tackle climate change. The U.K. is forging ahead of many other countries on net zero.” Politico
On Sunday, I will discuss #COP27 on Episode 04 of #TalkingEarthPodcast. The global conference needs everyone’s attention, but it doesn’t seem to have the direct attention of the newly appointed Prime Minster.
Britain’s position in the world is not as potent as it once was. The military is nothing more than a handful of leaky ships, next generation multi-role aircraft and less than 20 deployable infantry battalions. There are a myriad of domestic challenges to deal with and Britain’s foreign policy is centred on support for Ukraine. It appears the newly appointed cabinet are fixed by inshore problems.
You may argue that I have answered my question why Mr Sunak is not flying to Egypt, yet, attending #COP27 would give the PM several advantages;
Cementing relationships with heads of state.
Demonstrating Britain’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals.
Collaboration with leaders from the Global South to pursue investment green energy opportunities, because if Britain doesn’t, China will.
Leading Britain’s ESG positions from the front.
Mr Sunak tweeted that together we can achieve incredible things. Tackling climate change and wider environmental issues needs teamwork and investment. What better way to start his tenure as PM than a visit to Egypt and COP27? Maybe Mr Sunak doesn’t want the responsibility, or the pressure of having to challenge President al-Sidi on his woeful human rights record.
The decision by Mr Sunak not to attend #COP27 has attracted a lot of media interest. Maybe Mr Sunak has declined a ticket to Cairo because he doesn’t feel the conference is important. That premise may not make sense, when you consider Mr Sunak banned fracking - a sensible decision, in my opinion. Others may argue the decision not to attend is a leadership failing.
The climate deniers do not need an excuse to ignore the science. Declining an open invitation to the UN’s flagship conference has given those climate deniers another to opportunity to ignore the signs of climate change.
It’s been less than a week since Mr Sunak took up residence with Larry the Cat and the PM has already been in hot water over the appointment of #LeakySue, aka Suella Braverman. Now, the PM is in hot water for keeping his passport in the safe.
Thank you for reading the Woz Report.