Labour's New Climate Envoy Linked to Extinction Rebellion

Rachel Kyte, Labour's newly appointed climate envoy, has come under scrutiny for her past associations with Extinction Rebellion (XR). The Telegraph has uncovered evidence of Kyte's support for the environmental protest group, raising questions about her suitability for the role.

In 2018, Kyte was photographed wearing an XR badge at the Cop24 conference in Poland. This image, shared by Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, has sparked debate about Kyte's alignment with the controversial organization.

Further investigation revealed social media posts by Kyte expressing support for XR. In one instance, she shared an article about the group's plans for civil disobedience in April 2019, urging people to "act now or get out of the way." Kyte also praised Farhana Yamin, an activist who participated in an XR protest at Shell's headquarters in London.

Extinction Rebellion, founded in 2018, is known for its non-violent civil disobedience tactics to compel government action on climate change. The group has organized protests in over 60 countries, often targeting major corporations and financial institutions. XR's activities have included occupying central London sites, staging "die-ins," and using art and creativity in their demonstrations.

While XR has gained support from celebrities and public figures, it has also faced criticism for disrupting public transportation and daily life. The organization operates on a decentralized structure and has inspired spin-off groups like Doctors for XR and Lawyers for XR.

Kyte's appointment has raised additional concerns due to her connections with Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF), which is linked to a hedge fund that has donated £4 million to Labour. This has led to accusations of "cash for jobs" from Conservative sources.

Joy Morrissey, the shadow energy minister, has demanded answers regarding Kyte's appointment. The controversy has prompted calls for Labour to clarify the nature of this role and address potential conflicts of interest.

Despite the controversy, Kyte brings significant experience to the position. She previously served as a special representative for the UN and a vice-president of the World Bank. Her new role, to be announced by David Lammy and Ed Miliband, will focus on leading the UK's return to global climate diplomacy.

Extinction Rebellion has stated that Kyte does not hold an official role within their organization. However, they expressed hope that if she supports their demands for government action on the climate crisis, they may be "pulling in the same direction."

As the debate continues, this appointment highlights the complex relationships between political parties, climate activism, and financial interests in addressing the urgent issue of climate change.

"Rachel Kyte does not have an official role with Extinction Rebellion, but if she supports our demands for the Government to tell the truth about the severity of the climate and ecological emergency, act now with the urgency that is needed, and ensure any actions are fair and inclusive by making decisions together with everyday people, then we are hopefully pulling in the same direction."

The controversy surrounding Kyte's appointment underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing political appointments, activist backgrounds, and the need for effective climate action in the face of an escalating environmental crisis.