Climate of co-operation
British PM calls for bold action on environment in talks with Morrison
BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stressed the need for “bold action” to address climate change during a phone call with Scott Morrison.
The leaders spoke on Tuesday night and agreed to work closely to boost research, development and scaling up of low-emission technologies.
Mr Johnson is understood to have emphasised the “importance of setting ambitious
targets” to cut emissions and reach net zero to Mr Morrison.
“Prime Minister (Johnson) also stressed that we need bold action to address climate change, noting that the UK’S experience demonstrates that driving economic growth and reducing emissions can go hand-in-hand,” Downing St said in a statement.
A spokesman for Mr Morrison said Mr Johnson welcomed Australia’s significant increase in emissions reduction programs and endorsed the nation’s focus on unlocking practical pathways.
“One thing the British Prime Minister and I agree on is that achieving emissions reductions should not come at the cost of jobs in Australia or the UK,” Mr Morrison said on Wednesday. “It should not come at the cost of higher prices for the daily things that our citizens depend on. It’s about technology, not taxes, is what we talked about last night.”
Free trade agreement negotiations were also discussed, including the need to “work at pace” to secure a mutually beneficial deal.
“We are not looking for any ordinary agreement here, we are looking for a ground seating arrangement with the UK,” Mr Morrison said.
The prime ministers also agreed on the importance of like-minded countries working “more closely together” in a more uncertain strategic environment.
Mr Morrison also called reelected New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday to congratulate her on the election victory.
The pair discussed the challenge of responding to COVID-19, including safely reopening their economies, the trans-tasman travel corridor and movement of the labour force.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape also spoke with Mr Morrison.
Mr Marape conveyed PNG’S “deep appreciation” for Australia’s support as it responded to a COVID-19 outbreak.
The leaders looked forward to seeing each other in person soon, a spokesman for Mr Morrison said.