MP Alex Baker raised concerns regarding Nepal’s climate change challenges in the UK Parliament, highlighting severe floods and their consequences. In response, Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed the UK government’s commitment, detailing current and future financial support aimed at addressing these issues. The discussions follow Baker’s visit to the Nepalese Embassy for concerns regarding climate change and former Gurkha soldiers.
The issue of climate change in Nepal was recently raised in the UK Parliament by Labour MP Alex Baker. Representing constituencies with substantial Nepali populations, Baker emphasized the severe impact of climate change, particularly highlighting the devastating floods in Kathmandu that resulted in over 200 fatalities last year. She questioned the British government’s role in supporting Nepal, a long-standing ally, in addressing these urgent challenges.
In response, Foreign Secretary David Lammy assured the House of Commons of the UK government’s ongoing commitment to aid Nepal. He mentioned that the UK has provided approximately £38.5 million to support various resilience programs aimed at combatting climate change. Additionally, Lammy announced that the UK will allocate £58 million over the next eight years for initiatives focused on developmental efforts to mitigate climate-related issues.
This parliamentary discussion follows MP Baker’s recent visit to the Nepalese Embassy, where she engaged with notable Nepali leaders, including Shekhar Koirala and Acting Ambassador Bipin Duwadi. During this meeting, the officials expressed the need for continued support and visibility on pressing issues such as climate change and the rights of former Gurkha soldiers in the UK Parliament.
Nepal faces significant climate challenges, including frequent floods and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. These events have serious consequences for public safety and the economy, particularly for vulnerable populations in the country. The UK has historically been a partner to Nepal, providing assistance in various forms, and discussions in Parliament serve to highlight ongoing commitments and the importance of international support in mitigating these critical issues.
In summary, the recognition of Nepal’s climate challenges by the UK Parliament underscores the importance of international collaboration to address the devastating impacts of climate change. MP Alex Baker’s inquiries and Foreign Secretary Lammy’s assurances of continued support reflect the enduring partnership between the UK and Nepal. This dialogue is essential in fostering resilience and ensuring the well-being of communities affected by climate-related disasters in Nepal.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com