Andy Burnham: Make COP31 count

The world is hurtling towards a future of more extreme weather. From UK floods and heatwaves to devastating storms worldwide, lives and livelihoods are increasingly at risk. And it's those least responsible for causing the climate crisis that pay the highest price.

Fossil fuel companies continue to reap the rewards of climate-wrecking decisions, while years of inadequate action have left us dangerously exposed. The UK government continues to approve North Sea gas production – putting fossil fuel interests ahead of our future.

Right now, Andy Burnham is preparing his game plan for COP31, his first UN climate talks as Prime Minister. He insists the government's determination to tackle the climate crisis remains "unwavering". COP31 is his chance to prove it by demanding real protection from extreme weather, saying no to further oil and gas at home, and standing up to fossil fuel companies.

Sign our open letter. Urge Andy Burnham to help build a fairer, safer future and make COP31 count.

• Read the full letter

  To Prime Minister Andy Burnham,

  At COP31, your first UN climate talks as our Prime Minister, we urge you to be a driving force in tackling the realities of climate breakdown and building a safer, fairer future beyond fossil fuels.

  From flooded homes and deadly heatwaves in the UK to failed harvests around the world, climate breakdown is putting lives and livelihoods at stake. Those who’ve done the least to cause this crisis are paying the highest price, while years of inadequate action have left communities dangerously exposed.

  Your government's approval of the Jackdaw gas field has raised serious questions about the UK's commitment to moving away from fossil fuels. You’ve insisted your determination to tackle the climate crisis is still "unwavering" – we need you to demonstrate that commitment through meaningful action at COP31.

  Please use your voice on the world stage to:

  Provide real protection from climate breakdown for all
  Strengthen protection against extreme weather here in the UK and help the world’s most impacted communities adapt by providing our fair share of public funding.

  Stop new oil and gas and ensure a fair transition
  Stand by the promise to move away from fossil fuels, for good. Stop new oil and gas projects in the UK, and make sure workers and communities have the support and opportunities they need as we move to cleaner energy.

  Stand up to fossil fuel companies and put people over profit
  As well as doing our fair share at home, use the UK's influence on the world stage to push for stronger climate action worldwide. Challenge the power of fossil fuel companies and make sure decisions about our future put people and the planet before corporate profits.

  COP31 must not deliver empty promises. We urge you to use this opportunity to take meaningful action, protecting lives and livelihoods and building a fairer, safer future for people in the UK and around the world.

  Yours sincerely,
  The undersigned