Yesterday, Rishi Sunak was accused of a “leadership failure” on his decision to skip the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt next month.
The Prime Minister emphasized that he was “personally dedicated” to addressing the climate catastrophe, but that he must instead concentrate on “devastating internal challenges.”
Yesterday, Downing Street acknowledged for the first time that the King was advised not to attend the summit during the administration of Liz Truss. However, Buckingham Palace categorically disputed rumors that his absence had caused displeasure.
Aides noted that although he was a “star attraction” at the previous occasion in Glasgow – for which the Queen gave a special video address — his role has changed since he was Prince of Wales.
The King is cognizant of his new constitutional position as monarch and is aware that a short visit to Egypt would not be suitable for his first state visit overseas.
His schedule is already packed with home responsibilities, and the Foreign Office has other overseas objectives for him. Last night, royal insiders refuted rumors that he was dissatisfied that only ministers were attending on behalf of the United Kingdom, stating that anyone who claimed otherwise lacked information or authority.
However, given his enthusiasm and lifelong dedication to environmental concerns, it is highly improbable that Prince Charles would not privately be concerned about a watered-down British delegation.
Mr. Sunak’s decision not to attend may raise fears that the United Kingdom will not be adequately represented at the summit, as former prime ministeress Miss Truss was scheduled to participate.
In its place, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, Business Secretary Grant Shapps, and Environment Secretary Therese Coffey, together with Cop26 president Alok Sharma, will travel.
Former Conservative Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries stated yesterday that Mr. Sunak made a “mistake” by not attending the Sharm El-Sheikh summit, citing global warming as the “greatest threat to our world.”
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, stated, “People want their Prime Minister to be on the world stage resolving these issues,” adding, “This is an appalling failure of leadership.”
However, Jacob Rees-Mogg, who resigned as energy secretary on Tuesday, stated that he was right to stay.
Mr. Sharma supported demands for the government to implement a windfall tax on oil and gas companies.