Oxfam reaction to COP26 President Alok Sharma's speech

Responding to comments COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma made in a speech today marking six months from the UN climate summit in Glasgow, Oxfam's Climate Policy Advisor Tracy Carty said:

"Alok Sharma may have faith that world leaders will rise to the occasion, but six months is not long. The UK Government should strain every diplomatic sinew to ensure Glasgow is a success for everyone, not least the communities already suffering the impacts of the climate crisis.

"While the UK Government’s climate commitments are world leading, it must now avoid looking like the emperor with no clothes. Appearing to support a new coal mine in Cumbria while talking about consigning coal to history sends completely the wrong signal. Supporting further oil and gas exploration in the North Sea also risks embarrassing the Government in this crucial year.

"He is right to stress the need for more climate finance for the most vulnerable countries. The upcoming G7 Summit is a golden opportunity for nations that have not done so already to announce a significant increase in climate finance to 2025. It is important that he does not shy away from the thorny but crucial issue of finance for loss and damage, which will be a key benchmark of success in Glasgow."