The UK has a "huge opportunity" to lead on green investment after the election of Donald Trump, the prime minister has said.
Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Azerbaijan for the Cop29 summit yesterday and said the current global political turmoil could benefit the UK economy despite Trump's election win being likely to stall action.
The president-elect's historic victory last week has cast doubt on global efforts to tackle climate change, which he previously branded a "hoax".
Asked about Trump’s position on the climate crisis, Starmer said: “The climate challenge is something that we have got to rise to and that’s why I’ve repeatedly said we’ve got to show leadership.
“But I do think it’s more than just an obligation, it’s a huge opportunity. The UK has a huge opportunity to get ahead here when it comes to renewables – that’s why I’m encouraging as much investment as I can when it comes to carbon capture, when it comes to hydrogen, when it comes to offshore wind.”
He added: “There’s a global race on now to be the global leader on this. I want us to be in the race and I want us to win the race.”