Oxfam welcomes Prime Minister's speech at COP31 but warns shadow of Rosebank hangs over UK climate credentials

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Oxfam has welcomed the Prime Minister to the UN COP31 climate conference in Türkiye and called on him to take action on the climate emergency.

An oil rig
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The fact that the Prime Minister made the trip to the UN climate talks in Antalya sends a positive signal about the UK’s intention to take the climate crisis seriously and show leadership on a global stage. But showing up is not enough: a crisis of this scale needs substantive action, not just signals. The real test of climate leadership is delivery, not declarations.”

Beth John, Oxfam GB Climate Justice Adviser

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Beth John added: "The Prime Minister is right that fossil fuels are driving today's crises. That's why the shadow of Rosebank hangs so heavily over the UK's climate credentials. The Prime Minister simply cannot call for clean power across the world while saying yes to more fossil fuels in the UK.

"Until the UK draws a line under more North Sea drilling and restores support for communities on the frontline of climate change, there will remain a gap between what the Prime Minister says at summits and signs off at home."

Key points

Oxfam is at COP31 in Türkiye, calling on the UK government to:

  • Make polluters pay their fair share for climate action. This must include introducing a permanent excess profits tax on oil and gas companies, once the existing Energy Profits Levy expires, set at a meaningfully high level, alongside permanent wealth taxes and stronger taxation of high-emitting luxury items like private jets.
  • Improve the quality and quantity of its international climate finance commitments, prioritising grant-based finance rather than loans that deepen debt. The UK should commit to ensuring 50% of its international climate finance is spent on adaptation.
  • Champion a just transition towards a fairer, greener future. At COP31, the UK should advocate for a strong Just Transition Mechanism to support just transitions on a global scale, whilst setting out national plan for a just transition at home which makes reducing inequality a key aim.
  • End profiteering from climate disasters. Governments need to curb corporate power in emergency response, reconstruction, and food systems during disasters.

Press contact

For comments, interviews, or information please contact the Oxfam GB Media Team:

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