An international vegan organisation has challenged British prime minister Rishi Sunak to go vegan for a month in exchange for a £1 million donation to a charity of his choice.
Generation Vegan (GenV) said it sincerely hoped the prime minister would accept the challenge to adopt a plant-based diet “for at least one month” and lead by example with an “ethically positive” food.
In a letter to Sunak’s official residence, the charity’s chief executive Naomi Hallum recalled his pledge to “protect the future of our planet”, saying he had spoken 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”, she said and added, “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,” Hallum said.
However, 10 Downing street has not commented on the matter with a spokesman saying he was unable to confirm if the prime minister had been made aware of the donation offer.
Sunak is a practising Hindu and a section of the religious group traditionally does not consume meat.
“Millions of people are already adopting – or moving towards – a plant-based diet to better protect their health, animals, and our planet. But now, as multiple environmental and health crises become ever more serious, we need urgent, positive and powerful leaders to set an example. Our genuine hope is that Mr Sunak provides it, and if he does, we are ready to sign that cheque for one million pounds,” Hallum said.
GenV had previously challenged famous people, including former American president Donald Trump and the Pope, to go vegan for a cause. But Trump rejected the offer while the Pope did not respond.
A study estimated that the contribution of animal agriculture to man-made greenhouse gas emissions is at least 16.5 per cent and the proportion is expected to increase going forward.
According to researchers at the Natural History Museum, Britain, where animal agriculture accounts for 85 per cent of its total agricultural land, is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Rishi Sunak offered £1m in exchange for going vegan for a month
Generation Vegan hopes the prime minister who has spoken of compassion would walk the talk by adopting a plant-based diet ‘at least for a month'.
Kulsuma Aktergetty images
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