A Number 10 spokeswoman said the prime minister has 'other pressing domestic commitments' which will prevent him from attending the climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh but that Mr Sunak remains 'absolutely committed' to supporting the event
Rishi Sunak’s decision not to attend the COP27 UN climate summit in person will be seen by some as an abdication of responsibility at a critical moment in the fight against global warming.
The UK used to be one of the few nations on earth with enough clout and commitment to pull parties together and forge new agreements, and although its presidency of the COP26 summit in Glasgow wasn’t perfect, there was real progress.Developing nations who relied on the UK to champion their causes will feel betrayed by Mr Sunak’s decision.
Ending and reversing deforestation, cutting methane emissions, and the journey to net zero were all agreed to at the crucial Glasgow climate summit last year which lasted for two weeks.