PM defies critics calling for a slowdown as he flies to Brazil, where he may have frosty reception after opting out of tropical forest fund
The UK will lead on tackling the climate crisis, the prime minister vowed on Wednesday, despite critics calling for a slowdown, because shifting to a low-carbon economy will cut bills, boost economic growth and bring national renewal.
But his words risked being overshadowed by a bitter row over funding for tropical forest preservation at the UN Cop30 climate conference.
Keir Starmer flew to Brazil to join other heads of government at a leaders’ summit in Belém before the conference, which will officially begin on Monday.
He said: “Britain isn’t waiting to act – we’re leading the way, as we promised. Clean energy doesn’t just mean energy security, so Putin can’t put his boot on our throat: it means lower bills for working families in every part of the UK.”
