50 MPs plead Rishi Sunak to backtrack on oil and gas extraction plans

The group of ministers wrote to Sunak calling for the UK to reclaim its global leadership on the climate crisis by revoking the license of new oil and gas fields. In addition to ceasing licenses, the MPs also called for appointing a new climate envoy and supporting the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance. 

The Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance currently consists of France, Spain, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, Costa Rica, and Wales. The alliance has committed to discontinuing the production of fossil fuels. Nevertheless, there have been allegations of members not taking sufficient action to halt production.

Moreover, the call for the appointment of an envoy did not appear out of the blue. Several countries have had an envoy. For instance, John Kerry served as the envoy under the Joe Biden government in the United States until this year.

The MPs requesting the appointment called for the role restored in the UK and elevated to parity with a secretary of state. 

Current members of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, which pledge to phase out fossil fuel production, include France, Spain, Denmark, Ireland, Costa Rica and Sweden.

Wales is also a member, as sub-national governments can join.However, some members have been accused of failing to put adequate plans in place to stop production: for instance, Denmark allows licensing in limited circumstances, and its end date for production is 2050.