Political reporter
London
The Labour Asians Society (LAS) has hosted a landmark parliamentary event bringing together policymakers, investors, civil society representatives and youth leaders for a pivotal Pre-COP31 clean energy dialogue at the heart of UK democracy.
The inaugural London Clean Energy Roundtable (LCER) 2026, held under the theme “From Ambition to Architecture: Shaping the UK’s Clean Energy Agenda Ahead of COP31,” reflected the Labour Government’s steadfast commitment to a green industrial transition rooted in energy security, economic opportunity and international cooperation.
Former Veteran parliamentarian Virendra Sharma, Chief Patron LAS delivered the Opening Remarks, setting a powerful tone for the day’s proceedings. Drawing on decades of public service bridging South Asian communities and British political life, Mr Sharma made a compelling case for sustained parliamentary engagement on clean energy, emphasising that working families, diaspora communities and the Global South stand to gain most from a just and inclusive energy transition. He was formally honoured during an inaugural Leadership Recognition ceremony, celebrating his extraordinary contribution to international cooperation and cross-community dialogue.
Ashraf Nehal represented the voice of youth and multilateral engagement, connecting the parliamentary dialogue to wider processes at the United Nations Environment Programme and the Commonwealth, underscoring that the clean energy agenda demands active participation from the next generation of leaders.
The Roundtable was founded and led by Saikat Das, with Shraddha Nair serving as co-lead and emcee. Leyla Hasanova, former Presidency Youth Climate Champion, delivered closing reflections anchoring COP commitments to community-level implementation.
Formally established as an annual international Pre-COP collaboration platform and convened as part of London Climate Action Week 2026, the Roundtable marks a defining moment in the Labour Asians Society’s mission to connect diverse communities to the spaces where the future of climate action is being decided.
