BYM disappointed by king’s speech
'Quakers deeply disappointed and concerned about the UK’s commitment to protecting human rights and to taking urgent action in response to climate breakdown.'
The king’s speech, setting out the government agenda for the coming year, has ‘left Quakers deeply disappointed and concerned about the UK’s commitment to protecting human rights and to taking urgent action in response to climate breakdown’, Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) said last week.
The decisions to introduce a new annual system for awarding oil and gas licenses, and to outlaw action against foreign countries engaged in human rights abuses, are steps in the wrong direction, BYM added.
The decision to ramp up awards of North Sea licences has faced huge opposition, including from Quakers who have held climate vigils up and down the country.
‘Giving the green light to yet more oil and gas exploration contradicts the urgent need to respond to climate breakdown, Quakers believe. It also flies in the face of warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and won’t bring the energy security or lower prices the government claims’, a post on the Quakers in Britain website read.
Instead, the statement suggests that the government should invest in clean, renewable energy sources and develop foreign and domestic policies that uphold human rights, equality and peace. It added: ‘The Economic Activities of Public Bodies Bill (Anti-Boycott Bill) will prevent local authorities, universities, and other public bodies from pursuing investment and procurement policies that align with their environmental and human rights obligations.’
Paul Parker, recording clerk of BYM, said: ‘We believe that individuals and organisations should have the right to use peaceful means to protest against human rights violations… By criminalising such actions, the government stifles the voices of those advocating for a more just world.’
BYM welcomed the government’s ‘support for developing countries with their energy transition’ but noted that these words had not been matched by legislation or funding.
‘If the government is serious about its climate commitments, it should be taking concrete action to put financing into a loss and damage fund for global majority countries that are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis,’ said Paul Parker. ‘Together, we must work towards a future where our actions align with our values, fostering a world that respects both the environment and the dignity of all human beings.’
BYM was also disappointed by the new Sentencing and Criminal Justice Bills, and condemned the absence of a ban on conversion therapy in the king’s speech.
‘Conversion therapy has long been discredited as harmful and inhumane, causing immeasurable suffering to LGBTQ+ individuals,’ said Paul Parker.
‘Quakers firmly stand against any form of discrimination and call for decisive action to ban conversion therapy, ensuring the safety and dignity of all in the LGBTQ+ community.’
Comments
The poor King, having to read out this government statement so against much of which he passionately stands for.
He must have felt miserable.
By rosete on 16th November 2023 - 15:19
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