Even though COP26 took place less than one year ago in Glasgow, according to the UN’s environment agency there is “no credible pathway to 1.5C in place”. Our current pledges for action by 2030, if delivered in full, would mean a rise in global heating of about 2.5C and catastrophic extreme weather around the world. This means that even if we keep to our promises and deliver, this will not be enough.

I am extremely angry that this Government has wasted so much time not tackling this crisis. Less than one month ago, our shortest-serving prime minister Liz Truss announced a U-turn on the ban on fracking and boasted 100 new licences for companies hoping to extract more gas and oil from the North Sea. The UK is still the COP President and our role is to encourage countries to increase their climate pledges and take drastic action. Instead of leading from the front, the Tory Government has been U-turning most days and going from crisis to crisis – shambolic, hypocritical and disgraceful. This UN report tells us clearly that loss and damage will continue to ravish countries – storms, floods, fires, and heatwaves are here forever. You can read the full Emissions Gap Report 2022 here.

Last week, I met with Islamic Relief UK in Parliament to learn more about the devastating floods in Pakistan. In the first Foreign Office Parliamentary Questions after the summer recess, I urged the Minister to ensure that, as well as providing immediate help to the people affected, the UK works with nations like Pakistan to plan for the future to avoid further catastrophes. People in Pakistan are still homeless and are coming to terms with their new normal. They are also calling for climate justice and help from the international community, and rightly so. According to Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s climate change minister, “if you look at the numbers, it is the climate event of the century, not just for Pakistan but for the whole world. It surpassed all numbers for climate events, and it is now creating a catastrophic health crisis.” Countries like Pakistan are at acute danger from climate change, and there is an urgent need for us to do far more to avert further climate catastrophe.

Labour is different – we have a bold plan and are ready to govern. You can read more about our five-point plan for energy sustainability and security, paid for by our Climate Investment Pledge, here. During the 2022 Labour Party Conference, Keir Starmer announced our plan for Great British Energy, a new national champion in clean power generation. A Labour Government will establish a British-owned company that will generate clean power, cut bills and provide true energy security for the UK. The best bit – any profits will go straight back into the business, not into the pockets of rich shareholders. I am so excited about this project and I think it proves exactly why the UK deserves a Labour Government. Trust between developing and developed nations is key this and a Labour Government would lead by example and be active participants in this global conversation.