"On the outside looking in": Labour's shadow Cop

Cop28, which takes place at the end of this month in Dubai , falls at a pivotal moment for climate action in the UK and internationally.

Earlier this year , Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rowed back on the UK ’s net zero commitments, insisting that he was being “honest” with the British people in doing so.

The party must use this year to prepare to be “on the inside looking out” at Cop29.

Labour will use Cop28 as an opportunity to show the international community that the party is serious about reinstating Britain ’s role as a climate leader.

The party has said that while it will not take out any new licences it will respect existing ones.

But to retain global credibility, Labour may need to set itself against the licensing of new oil and gas reserves.

Labour is keen to use this year ’s conference to distinguish itself from the current Conservative government.

A party spokesperson pointed out that last year , “Sunak was shamed into going to Cop27 by the torrent of disbelief that he would fail to turn up.” A Labour spokesperson said the only way to cut bills and make Britain energy independent is to go all out for clean power.