Lord Zac Goldsmith, a Foreign Office minister, has announced his resignation, citing the government's lack of concern for environmental issues. This comes just a day after Goldsmith was

accused of undermining a parliamentary investigation into Boris Johnson.

In a two-page resignation letter, Lord Goldsmith expressed his disappointment with the prime minister's indifference towards the environment. He stated, "The past four years have been an exhilarating experience for me, and I will forever be grateful that I was able to contribute more to the environment than I ever thought possible. However, in recent months, I have struggled to even maintain progress. It is not that the government is hostile to the environment, but rather that you, Prime Minister, show a lack of interest. This indifference has permeated throughout Whitehall and caused a sense of paralysis."

Lord Goldsmith highlighted the UK's role in leading coalitions and securing commitments on various environmental issues, expressing pride in these accomplishments. However, he expressed his frustration at the government's apathy in the face of the immense challenges posed by environmental issues. He concluded that continuing in his current role is untenable due to the government's lack of commitment.

Despite his resignation, Lord Goldsmith expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with talented individuals in the government and make a difference in a cause he has been dedicated to for a significant period. He stated that he will redirect his energy towards areas where he can be more effective in addressing the pressing environmental challenges.

Lord Goldsmith's resignation sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding the government's approach to environmental issues and raises concerns about the level of commitment to tackling these challenges at the highest levels of leadership. Photo by Chris McAndrew, Wikimedia commons.