UK ‘disappointed’ to know US may pull out of Paris accord

The British government is “disappointed” by reports the United States could withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, a senior minister said on Wednesday, vowing instead to influence Washington to “take the right step”.

“It is disappointing,” British interior minister Amber Rudd said, reacting to reports that US President Donald Trump is set to announce his decision to withdraw from the historic climate change deal.

A US withdrawal from the 196-party pact signed in Paris 18 months ago would deal a devastating blow to global efforts to combat climate change. “But I hope that we can use our relationship with President Trump and our close relationship with the US to try and influence, to try to make sure that they nevertheless take the right step,” Rudd said.

She made the comments while participating in a televised debate ahead of the June 8 general election.

At the time of the Paris accord, Rudd was Britain’s energy and climate change minister.