'Many leaders from the planet's most polluting nations were notably absent from the summit'

Sir Keir Starmer conceded in a major speech on Thursday that the global "consensus is gone" on climate change, while claiming Britain is still "all in" on net zero.

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The Prime Minister had never intended to head to Belem, Brazil, as his senior aides are said to have been wary of how a trip to South America to talk climate would play with voters at home many of whom are already weary of Labour and squeezed by the cost of living.

Those same voters are also bracing for tax rises in the Budget after pitch rolling earlier this week by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

But Sir Keir pencilled in the last-minute dash to the rainforest following a surge in polling support for the Green Party.

The UK's secret weapon was deployed - in the form of Prince William who was representing the King - just as the government is said to be considering rolling back on some of its climate commitments.

The Labour leader does not only have his left flank to worry about politically. There is also the growing threat of Nigel Farage on the right.