Quakers put priorities to new PM
Quakers in Britain have written to new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, urging him to focus on climate, cost-of-living, peace, and truth.
Acknowledging Sunak's pledges on climate and cost-of-living, Quakers in Britain pressed him to do more to bring about a just transition away from fossil fuels. This includes making polluters pay to support communities and countries worst affected by climate breakdown.
Quakers asked Sunak to work towards peace in Ukraine and around the world. This includes taking part in negotiations in good faith towards a world without nuclear weapons.
When Sunak resigned as Chancellor, he emphasised the importance of truth and the need for government to be conducted “properly, competently and seriously". On becoming Prime Minister, he promised to serve with integrity. Quakers have now asked him to take steps to foster these values. This includes reappointing an ethics adviser to the Prime Minister as he pledged to do during his leadership campaign earlier this year.
Paul Parker, Recording Clerk for Quakers in Britain said: “We ask Rishi Sunak to bring about fair and sustainable solutions to the most pressing issues affecting our country, people and planet. There is no more time to waste. As Quakers, we seek to uphold the Prime Minister and other political leaders, and work with them to bring about positive change."