Sunak calls on fellow G20 leaders to fix ‘weaknesses’ and drive down inflation

RISHI Sunak is calling on fellow G20 leaders to “fix the weaknesses” in the global economic system and work together to bring down prices driven up by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Prime Minister arrives in Bali, Indonesia, today, for a gathering of leaders of the world’s biggest economies – one of his first outings on the global stage since taking office last month.

The two-day summit, which starts tomorrow, comes as the world confronts some of the most significant economic challenges since G20 leaders first met to respond to the 2008 financial crisis.

The economic woes have been exacerbated by the Ukraine war as it has fuelled a spike in energy and food prices and soaring global inflation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has faced unanimous condemnation from Western leaders over the conflict, is expected to skip the event and send his foreign minister Sergei Lavrov instead.

Mr Sunak said he will “call out Putin’s regime” during the first encounter between a British Prime Minister and Russian government officials since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in February.

He plans to confront Mr Lavrov with allies at the summit’s first plenary session.

Ahead of the trip, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We will absolutely use every opportunity to confront Russia about their continued illegal actions.”

Divisions among the group of 20 major economies are so deep that the traditional “family photo” has been called off and diplomats are doubtful a communique will be issued by leaders at the end of the summit.

They cannot agree a statement that condemns Russia, as Russia would never agree to condemn itself.

Bali will be the first major diplomatic test for Mr Sunak, whose experience in Government has so far been almost entirely Uk-focused.

He will meet Joe Biden for the first time, with the pair due to hold bilateral talks, though the US President’s priority will likely be his encounter with China’s Xi Jinping.

Mr Sunak will return to the UK on Thursday, in time for a budget announcement in which Jeremy Hunt could impose up to £60 billion in tax rises and spending cuts.