Starmer under pressure to attend Cop30 despite political risks

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting calls from global leaders and climate advocates to attend next year’s Cop30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, after reports suggested his aides advised him to stay away for domestic political reasons. Critics warn that his absence would undermine Britain’s international standing at a critical moment for climate action.

Advice against attending
According to reports, senior advisers to Starmer have cautioned against attending the summit, fearing that the Reform Party could use the trip to portray him as out of touch with domestic concerns. The calculation reflects a growing sensitivity in Westminster to Reform’s efforts to capture voters worried about energy bills and economic pressures.

Global reaction
The suggestion that the UK leader might skip the talks prompted a sharp response from international figures. Former UN climate officials and European leaders stressed that Britain, once considered a global leader in climate diplomacy, could ill afford to retreat. “History will remember who showed up,” one senior climate negotiator said, underlining the symbolic weight of the summit.

Why Cop30 matters
The Belém summit in 2026 is expected to be a milestone conference, as negotiators assess progress towards the Paris Agreement’s mid-century targets. It will also be the first Cop held in the Amazon region, drawing global attention to deforestation and biodiversity. Britain’s presence is seen as vital in maintaining pressure on major emitters and showing commitment to international cooperation.

Domestic balancing act
For Starmer, the decision highlights a tension between domestic politics and global responsibilities. Attending Cop30 would reinforce his government’s pledge to restore Britain’s leadership role on the world stage, but skipping it could open him to criticism for neglecting climate action at home and abroad.

Looking ahead
Downing Street has not confirmed Starmer’s plans, insisting no final decision has been made. However, with invitations already extended to world leaders, pressure is expected to intensify in the months ahead. Observers say his choice will send a powerful signal about how seriously his government intends to prioritise climate policy in a turbulent political landscape.

REFH – Newshub, 27 September 2025