Sunak’s remarks centered on the costs associated with achieving net-zero emissions and the need to address financial pressures on families.
While leaders from various nations, including King Charles, emphasized the urgency of climate action, Sunak’s statements diverged from the consensus. He highlighted his government’s shift toward a more “pragmatic” approach to net-zero targets and a delay in banning petrol cars, suggesting that the financial burden of climate policies needed to be considered. Sunak asserted that no world leader at the summit had challenged him on these decisions and stated that the UK was a climate leader, implying that other countries should do more.
Charities criticized Sunak’s tone, accusing him of misreading the global sentiment at the summit. Some Conservative politicians also voiced concerns that his statements risked undermining the UK’s leadership position on climate issues. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, commented that Sunak’s remarks reflected a lack of seriousness and leadership on climate action.