UK criticised for failing to pay $300m in promised climate funds ahead of Cop27

Missed deadline for money pledged to assist developing countries sends strong negative signal' ahead of Egypt summit, say experts

The British government has come under fire for sending a strong negative signal" ahead of the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt, by failing to make $300m (260m) of promised climate finance payments.

The UK has already caused upset among developing countries hit hardest by the climate crisis, after a statement from Downing Street that Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, would not attend Cop27 due to his focus on domestic issues.