James Cleverley urges China and India to be patient in tackling climate change

James Cleverley said the UK must remain “absolutely committed” to tackling climate change. Photo: Thomas Creech/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

The Foreign Secretary has urged China and India to be patient when it comes to tackling harmful emissions, despite the UK's ongoing efforts to reach net zero.

James Cleverly has said that «big wins» in the fight against climate change are not always achieved. will happen «quickly» as he suggested Britain should be «patient» with the two countries, which are among the world's biggest emitters.

At the same time, Mr Cleverley said the UK must remain “absolutely committed” to tackling climate change.

His comments came during the Prime Minister's trip to India for the G20 summit, where he will hold talks. with Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.

China will also be among the countries present at the global forum, although Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend, but will instead send Prime Minister Li Qiang.

He added: “We will continue to discuss these issues with China. Ironically, this was one of the topics of conversation when I went to Beijing, and the Prime Minister will of course raise this issue at the G20 summit.

“And we are going to demonstrate how we can achieve economic growth and reduce carbon emissions, as we have done in the UK.

“And show that a number of countries that want to continue economic development can do so in an environmentally sustainable way.”

Support the global economy

During the three-day trip, Mr Sunak is expected to speak at a major summit on international efforts to combat climate change and support the global economy, as well as address the war in Ukraine and migration.

Meanwhile, Mr Modi wrote in The Times earlier this week that Western countries should not impose «restrictive» climate change policies on developing countries.

He said: “Many countries in the Global South are at different stages of development.” and climate action must be complementary efforts.

“The ambition of climate action must be combined with action on climate finance and technology transfer.”

Mr Cleverly denied on Sky News that progress The issue of climate change in developing countries was purely a matter of finance when asked about Mr Modi's requests for more funding.

“Some of them are about money, but the big one is some are not. A lot of it is about technical expertise, something in which the UK is truly a world leader.»

He added: «India is becoming an increasingly rich and powerful country and it's not just about money, it's about make sure we're on the same page.» collectively on these issues and that will be part of what the Prime Minister will discuss in India.»

Mr Sunak's trip to India, his first since becoming Prime Minister, is taking place on amid trade deal negotiations. between two countries.