GovWire

Im here at COP28 with two clear messages

First, the world needs to do more to tackle climate change.

Weve made real progress including at the Glasgow summit

but the climate science and mounting evidence of climate-related disasters

show were not moving quickly or effectively enough.

So Im calling on major emitters to dramatically accelerate delivery on what theyve already promised.

Everyone can do more.

Andlets be very clear theUK is leading the charge.

Were absolutely committed to our Net Zero targets.

Weve already decarbonised faster than any other major economy.

Our emissions are down 48 percent since 1990.

Compared to limited cuts from others.

And a 300 percent increase from China.

Were also one of the largest climate donors, because we want to help those suffering the impacts of climate change.

My pledge from September of1.6 billion for the Green Climate Fund was the UKs biggest single climate change commitment.

And were going further announcing1.6 billion today for renewable energy, green innovation and forests

delivering on the historic Glasgow deal to end deforestation because we cant tackle climate change without nature.

Were also leveraging the genius of the City of London to deliver billions more in private finance.

Again the UK is leading by example and we need others to step up.

Because my second message is this

As I said in September, we wont tackle climate change unless we take people with us.

Climate politics is close to breaking point.

The British people care about the environment.

They know that the costs of inaction are intolerable.

But they also know that we have choices about how we act.

So yes well meet our targets

but well doit in a more pragmatic way, which doesnt burden working people.

Weve scrapped plans on heat pumps and energy efficiency, which would have cost families thousands of pounds.

Well help people to improve energy efficiency and cut bills but we wont force them too.

Well support nature across the UK.

Just this week I announced a huge new effort with 34 landscape recovery projects, a new national park and more.

And well harness the opportunities of technology and green industry to deliver net zero in a way that benefits the British people.

And today I can share more proof on the progress were making.

Im pleased to announce a new deal between Masdar and RWE

which includes a commitment to jointly invest up to 11 billion into the UKs new windfarm at Dogger Bank which will be the biggest in the world.

This is a huge boost for UK renewables

creating more jobs

helping to power 3 million homes

and increasing our energy security.

And, by the way, this comes just days after we announced 30 billion of investment at our Global Investment Summit and 21 billion of investment from South Korea.

Weve quite frankly never seen a week like it.

In Dubai today, Ive also had conversations with a range of leaders including Israel, Qatar, EgyptandJordan about the situation in Israel and Gaza.

Our position is clear and consistent.

Weve been categorical in our support for Israels right to self-defence and to go after the architects of the atrocities of 7thOctober

while stressing Israels obligation to act in line with international humanitarian law.

I strongly welcomedthe pause in fighting to get hostages out

and weve been using the opportunity to get more aid into Gaza.

The UK has trebled its aid, but still not enough is getting in via Rafah and other crossings.

So we are actively exploring other routes, including by sea.

The breakdown of the truce today is deeply disappointing, not least because a growing number of hostages werecoming home.

I pay tribute to the role of Qatar in helping facilitate these effortsandIhope the process can be resumed.

We want allthehostages released and in this initial phase all women and children should be freed.

Ive said before that the number of civilian casualties and the scale of the suffering has been far too high.

Sothe return of hostilities is concerning to us all.

Were making it clear that Israel must takemaximum care to protect civilian life.

Were opposed to anything that would involvethe mass displacement of people.

We need toensure that there areviabledesignated areas where safety can be guaranteed.

And we need to ensure that critical infrastructure like water supplies and hospitals are protected.

Again, weve been consistent on all of this.

SoI support the civilian protection plans outlined yesterday by the US Secretary of State.

Indeedthis has been a central theme in our discussions with regional leaders here, including Israeli President Herzog.

Ultimately we will redouble our efforts create a political horizon in which hostages are freed and security, safety and dignity is assured.

We will continue to work with our partners to create a lasting peace

beginning with practical steps that address the crisis now.

Thank you.