Tory local weather minister to make 6,800-mile spherical journey from Dubai for Rwanda vote
A Tory local weather minister has been pressured to make a 6,800 mile spherical journey from Dubai to attend a crunch vote on Rwanda.
In an indication of the desperation in No10 as Rishi Sunak battles to combat off a Tory revolt, Graham Stuart, who’s main the No10’s negotiating workforce on the local weather summit COP28 in Dubai, was ordered to return to the UK. The PM’s official spokesman confirmed Mr Stuart will then return to local weather talks within the UAE after the vote – prompting outage from environmental campaigners.
Oxfam blasted: “There can be no more tragic outcome for UK climate diplomacy than this – flying home from talks to avert a climate catastrophe at the most critical moment in an attempt to salvage a cruel and impractical policy.” ActionAid UK additionally described Mr Stuart’s hasty departure as a “slap in the face” to international locations urging the world’s largest polluters to behave.
The charity added: “In a shocking betrayal of trust as COP wraps up, the Prime Minister seems happier to fight the culture wars and not climate change.”
Labour’s Shadow Climate and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband added: “The sad truth is that, thanks to Rishi Sunak tanking Britain’s reputation on the world stage, many countries simply won’t even notice that his minister has disappeared. Graham Stuart flying home in the middle of negotiations tells you everything you need to know about the Tories.”
Asked in regards to the carbon emissions from the flights, the PM’s official spokesman instructed reporters: “This Government is not anti-flying. We don’t lecture the public in that regard. “The most essential factor is the outcomes of COP, which Minister Stuart is clearly main for the UK on.”
The desperate move comes as the PM scrambles to shore up support for a key vote on the Rwanda deportation scheme on Tuesday evening in the Commons. Just 28 rebels are needed to wipe out the PM’s majority, forcing Downing Street to ensure every supportive MP casts a vote.
Right-wing Tory MPs are threatening to torpedo the plans and have called Mr Sunak to drop the Safety of Rwanda Bill that “does not go far sufficient”. They are expected to meet again on Tuesday evening to make a final decision on whether to vote against the legislation.
No10 said the Government is open to “constructive feedback” from Tory MPs over the Rwanda legislation. The spokesman added: “The Prime Minister and different ministers will proceed to interact with colleagues as is regular. Obviously, we are going to hear rigorously to constructive feedback.”
Asked if it was Mr Sunak’s position that the Bill cannot be stronger, he said: “We are keen to take heed to constructive feedback from colleagues. We imagine it is a robust piece of laws which is able to obtain its aims and the general public’s aims of stopping the boats. And we have been very clear on the parameters underneath which we have to function as have the Rwandan authorities.”
