The essential Charles III, the new British king, will not finally go to the Cop 27 scheduled in Egypt in November: the reasons for his absence spark a start of controversy in the UK.
King Charles III, a longtime environmentalist, will not attend Cop 27, which takes place in Egypt in November. A surprising decision when he had inaugurated the last edition in Scotland, but which is explained by the protocol traditions of the United Kingdom.
Why can’t the king go to Egypt?
Prime Minister Liz Truss has spoken out against the King’s trip to the November 6-18 summit, according to The Sunday Times. While rumors of tension between the two leaders were leaking after that revelation, Buckingham Palace told the BBC that “with all friendship and respect, an agreement has been reached that the King will not attend.
Does the Prime Minister have the power to prevent the King from traveling?
Official visits by members of the royal family are traditionally made after obtaining the government’s opinion on the matter. A Downing Street source said it was “ridiculous” to think the Prime Minister could “order” the King.
“It is clear that this is a mutual decision by the king and the government,” said Minister Simon Clarke on Sunday: “We would have committed ourselves to the allegations.” [le roi] holding back is just wrong”.
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UK: Liz Truss, barely elected Prime Minister, more unpopular than ever
Do we know who will represent the UK at COP27?
Liz Truss will also not be attending the climate conference, raising doubts about the UK representation. Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood questioned that decision: “Can we really go from host country of COP26 to offside of COP27?” he could write on Twitter. “King Charles is a respected voice on climate change and the environment, his presence would bring more seriousness to the UK delegation.”
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I hope common sense prevails.King Charles is a globally respected voice on the environment and climate change.
His presence would give the British delegation serious authority.
Can we really move from hosting COP26 to Bench Soft Power at COP27? pic.twitter.com/Zq8nEFn7k1
— Tobias Ellwood MP (@Tobias_Ellwood) October 1, 2022