Faith leaders urge Andy Burnham to prioritise climate

Faith leaders from the Muslim, Jewish, Catholic and Anglican faiths in the UK have written to Andy Burnham MP, calling on him to prioritise action on climate and nature as he takes up his role as Prime Minister.

Bishop of Salford John Arnold is among the signatories calling on Burnham “to put climate and nature at the heart of your government’s mission”.

In the letter, coordinated by Cafod, Christian Aid, EcoJudaism and Islamic Relief, the faith leaders urge the Burnham to “make climate and nature central to national renewal, with every department accountable for delivery”.

“The care and future of our natural world is a concern shared by members of all Abrahamic faiths, and the leaders look forward to deepening their engagement with Mr Burnham’s government on an issue which is central to the millions of people of faith in the UK and around the world,” said Cafod.

Other signatories include Bishop of Norwich Graham Usher, Rabbi Jonathan Witternberg of Masorti Judaism and Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra of the Christian Muslim Forum.

“Few decisions of your premiership will matter more to future generations than those concerning our climate and the natural world,” they say. “On this, our different faith traditions speak with one voice. Your own Catholic faith has long emphasised this responsibility.”

The climate and nature crises are already harming national security, the economy and people’s health, the add. “But it is also an extraordinary opportunity: cleaner, cheaper energy, thriving landscapes, healthier communities and good green jobs.”

They urge him to accelerate the transition to clean, affordable energy and to make polluters pay for issues such as sewage in rivers to industrial emissions. They urge him to “deliver a strong G20 Presidency, by taking action on debt, tax and illicit financial flows enabling greater finance for Global South countries for sustainable development and climate.”

Requesting an early meeting, they conclude: “Together, our faith communities represent millions of people who care deeply for God’s creation. We offer moral leadership, trusted voices and action in every community in the country. We stand ready to help you mobilise the nation.”

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