Burnham urged to go further on climate pledges after stark warning over ‘national security threat’

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the UN climate summit, COP31, that climate change is a national security issue and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to net zero by 2050. Campaigners said his pledge was undermined by domestic energy policies under consideration, arguing that the government must match its climate statements with action.

Burnham linked dependence on fossil fuels to both the climate crisis and soaring fuel and gas costs amid conflicts, including the war in Iran. Critics pointed to the possible approval of the Rosebank oil field, approval of the Jackdaw gas field and reports that electric vehicle sales targets could be cut by about a quarter. Downing Street defended his trip to Turkey, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski accused him of being “all mouth and no trousers”.