04 January 2023 , 19:00
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This January, many of us will be trying out 'Veganuary', giving up all meat and dairy products in favour of a completely plant-based diet. Now vegan activists are calling upon Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to follow suit, offering him £1 million to donate to a charity of his choice if he agrees to go vegan for one month.
In an open letter penned to the PM, vegan organisation GenV stated that "a plant-based diet is one of the best things we can do to champion British farmers and our countryside". They also went on to emphasise how plant-based eating could help the country meet emission reduction commitments, while 'supporting public health'.
GenV says they look forward to hearing Sunak's response (GenV)In the letter, GenV CEO Naomi Hallum wrote: "William Blake famously wrote of England’s green and pleasant land. However, according to the researchers at the Natural History Museum, the UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, going so far as to say that due to the expansion of agriculture, ‘the UK has led the world in degrading the natural environment’."
She went on to express her hopes that Sunak would consider 'their sincere offer and lead the UK towards a more sustainable and promising future', adding that she looked forward to hearing his response by January 31.
Speaking with vegan publication Plant Based News (PBN), Hallum said: “It’s important that we hold our leaders responsible for delivering the better future they continuously promise us. The UK Prime Minister has regularly spoken about the importance of showing compassion, and of safeguarding our planet for future generations.
Out of touch Rishi Sunak doesn't regularly read papers or online news sites
“He already abstains from eating beef, so all we’re asking of him is to extend his circle of compassion to other animals and to take the necessary steps towards protecting the planet for our children and grandchildren.”
Back in October 2021, Sunak stated 'I'm not telling anyone to eat less meat' during an interview about carbon emissions with Sky News' Kay Burley, filmed at a meat market in Bury, Lancashire. After Burley quizzed him about the optics of the setting, Sunak argued that there were there 'lots of different ways' to fight climate change.
On January 3, PBN reported that Sunak had yet to respond to the letter.
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