Rishi Sunak has been challenged to go vegan for a month in exchange for a £1 million donation to a charity of his choice, but will he accept?
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being urged to join thousands of other people in the UK who are taking part in Veganuary, and go vegan for a whole month. The stakes are pretty high…
The politician has been challenged by non-profit Generation Vegan (GenV) to ditch animal products during January in exchange for a £1 million donation to a charity of his choice.
The generous offer was previously made to both former POTUS Donald Trump and Pope Francis, neither of which agreed. Now, Sunak has until January 31 to respond to the offer.
Will Rishi Sunak go vegan?
In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, GenV CEO Naomi Hallam said: “Sunak has pledged to protect the future of our planet and has spoken more than once about the importance of showing compassion.
“Now, we ask him to follow his words with actions, and adopt a plant-based diet for at least one month. Our sincere hope is that he will accept our million-pound offer.
“We urge him to lead by example, and showcase how satisfying, healthy, and enjoyable – as well as ethically and environmentally positive – plant-based eating can be.”
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GenV’s latest campaign
In a letter being published in four major British newspapers, GenV urges Sunak to accept the offer for ‘our land, our planet, our health, our farmers, and our future’.
The letter highlights how animal agriculture accounts for up to 85 per cent of farmland yet provides only 32 per cent of our calories and less than half of our protein.
It also cites research claiming that if we all followed a plant-based diet, ‘our food-related GHG emissions would drop by 70 per cent’.
As well as the full page newspaper adverts, GenV has also launched a takeover of Westminster Underground station with 5,000 campaign posters and billboards.
“Millions of people are already adopting – or moving towards – a plant-based diet to better protect their health, animals, and our planet,” Hallam added.
“But now, as multiple environmental and health crises become ever-more serious, we need urgent, positive and powerful leadership. Our genuine hope is that Mr Sunak provides it, and if he does, we are ready to sign that cheque for £1 million.”
Want to show your support for the planet and try Veganuary this January? Check out our week 1 Veganuary meal plan to get you started
