Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday faced accusations of being subservient to the US and of dereliction of duty by not being part of a protest by European G7 members against President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.
Downing Street said May expressed her disappointment during a phone conversation with Trump on Thursday evening, but did not respond to queries on whether she was asked to sign the protest letter by France, Germany and Italy.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called Trump’s decision “absolutely shocking” and said May not being part of the G7 letter showed her as subservient to the US President. Given the special US-UK relationship, May adding her signature to the letter would have given it more weight.
Recalling both leaders holding hands during May’s visit to the US in January, Corbyn said: “Pulling out of the Paris climate deal is reckless and regressive. Instead of hand-holding, I'll work for a sustainable future for our planet."
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister expressed her disappointment with the decision and stressed that the UK remained committed to the Paris Agreement, as she set out recently at the G7.
{{/usCountry}}A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister expressed her disappointment with the decision and stressed that the UK remained committed to the Paris Agreement, as she set out recently at the G7.
{{/usCountry}}“She said that the Paris Agreement provides the right global framework for protecting the prosperity and security of future generations, while keeping energy affordable and secure for our citizens and businesses.
“The President made clear that the door remains open to future US involvement in the Agreement. The Prime Minister and President agreed on the importance of continued cooperation on wider energy issues.”