On Monday 18 December 2023, with the UK government rolling back on its climate commitments and standing accused of using net zero as political dividing line with Labour on the issue ahead of the next election, we asked experts whether COP28 had done anything to change the UK political landscape.

Other countries and the King expressed their dismay at slow progress. But, did the UK’s participation in the conference change anything? Were there signs of new commitment? Has the government narrative shifted? What did it mean for the UK’s desire to lead on climate diplomacy and policy? And what will it mean for the battle between the parties ahead of the next election in 2024?

Panellists

• Chair: Holly Brazier Tope, head of politics, Green Alliance
• Fiona Harvey, environment editor, the Guardian
• Matt Toombs, director for international climate change, DESNZ (unable to attend)
• Alex Scott, programme lead, E3G
• Sarah Mukherjee, CEO, IEMA