The prime minister opens his press conference at the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, by saying that “the world is at a critical moment in the climate crisis.”

Sir Keir Starmer says the UK “not only has a vital role to play, but also an opportunity to seize”.

Addressing the crisis “will make us safer here and now,” he maintains, pointing to various effects of climate change, such as flooding.

“This is the path to national security, energy independence and the economic stability needed to improve the living standards of workers,” says Sir Keir.

“There is no national security, there is no economic security, there is no global security without climate security.”

PM targets 2035 for emissions target

The Prime Minister says there is a “huge opportunity” for the UK to “lead the world in tomorrow’s economy”, which will mean better jobs and economic growth in the UK.

He points to efforts to reduce emissions in the immediate and long term that his government has already taken, such as lifting the ban on onshore wind power, pledging not to issue new oil and gas licences, and securing investments in things like carbon capture technology. carbon. .

Sir Keir then announces that the UK is committing to a new target of reducing emissions by 81% by 2035, relative to 1990 levels.

The UK government, he says, is “delivering on our promise of good jobs, cheaper bills and stronger growth” and has shown at this summit that it is “back to being a world leader”.

Read more about the announcement here: