Unexpectedly, British politics has revealed its priorities, and ignored the climate crisis. This Tuesday, the attention of the House of Commons was focused on saving the law on the deportation of immigrants to Rwanda, a measure deemed not strict enough by the conservative right. The vote threatens to topple Rishi Sunak, who has faced criticism over his stance on climate change.

Graham Stuart’s sudden withdrawal from the Dubai climate summit, COP28, at a crucial time for reaching an agreement on phasing out fossil fuels, has exposed the Sunak Government’s disinterest in climate issues. The need to include Stuart in a vote on Rwanda’s legislation resulted in a decision that, according to Caroline Lucas, Green Party spokesperson, removed the last vestiges of the Government’s moral authority in the fight against climate change.

Britain, which once led the fight against global warming, is now allied with the EU and other countries in rejecting proposals that compromise the phasing out of fossil fuels. The UK’s position, although formal, is far from the firmness that usually characterizes the country on these issues, as seen at the recent COP26 in Glasgow.

Sunak’s decision to delay climate goals and implement pro-fossil fuel practices has sparked pushback from the right. The extension of permits to exploit new gas and oil wells in the North Sea has drawn criticism, considering that its production can barely meet the country’s needs and it is expensive refined crude oil.

A strong hand to quell protests

In parallel, UK police have stepped up arrests of climate change protesters, using new powers granted by the Public Order Act 2023. These actions, particularly directed against groups such as Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion, reflect a strong to quell the protests that have occurred. effective in disrupting daily life in the British capital.

The climate crisis, once a priority, appears to now be in the background of the UK’s political agenda, shifting to more pressing and controversial issues. The question that remains unanswered is whether this lack of attention will have irreparable consequences in the global fight against climate change. @mundiario

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