Prime Minister Andy Burnham told delegates at the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey, that the consensus once enjoyed on climate science and action has gone, while pledging a new era of British leadership on the issue.

Burnham, who is the only G7 leader to attend the conference this year, delivered the remarks on Thursday during his first appearance at a COP as prime minister. He said the world has changed and that the reality is the planet will reach 1.5 degrees of warming above pre-industrial levels.

"The consensus we once enjoyed on science and climate has gone, and the reality is now the world will reach 1.5 degrees," Burnham said. "Climate leadership and action have become more urgent. Britain will answer the call."

The prime minister reaffirmed the UK's commitment to its 2050 net zero target and support for partners pursuing their own goals. He highlighted the focus on electrification at this year's summit and announced the appointment of Dame Madeleine Alessandri as the UK's first special representative for climate security.

Burnham also said the UK would support the Amplify programme to secure 5 billion pounds in new private finance for clean energy projects worldwide. He noted that climate is a national security issue and that Britain plans to put climate resilience on the agenda during its G20 presidency next year.

The speech came amid questions over the UK's energy policy at home. The government recently approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, and a decision on the larger Rosebank oil field remains pending. Burnham has faced pressure from opposition figures on these matters.

Environmental campaigners at the summit called for stronger actions to match the prime minister's words. The low turnout of other major leaders underscored broader questions about international momentum on the issue.