Alok Sharma MP has been appointed the new UK Government minister for Cop26.
It follows a wide reshuffle of Boris Johnson’s Cabinet today.
Mr Sharma said he was “delighted” at the role and was looking forward to an “exciting year ahead”.
But it also comes amid growing tension over whether he will seek to move the long planned Conference of the Parties away from Scotland to venues in London and elsewhere instead.
The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP @AlokSharma_RDG has been appointed Secretary of State @beisgovuk. He will also be Minister for @COP26 pic.twitter.com/NdJkhWnbMc
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) February 13, 2020
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon write time the PM earlier to reiterate Scotland’s desire to host and support the event.
READ: In full – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s letter to Boris Johnson over Cop26
But leaks from Westminster suggest the estimated cost of policing was being used as a mechanism to review its status – despite Scotland having hosted other major events including the G8 Summit previously.
Around 200 heads of state, 30,000 delegates and a further 60,000 officials and media are expected in Glasgow from November 9 to 19.
Some estimates suggest 600,000 to one million others could take part in protests over climate change during the event.
"He doesn't really get it"
Claire O'Neill, sacked president of the #COP26 Glasgow climate conference, says @BorisJohnson admitted to her he doesn't really get climate change… & there's been a "huge lack of leadership" over the conference#r4today | https://t.co/UC5JIClIy9 pic.twitter.com/u40UwDXoHU
— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) February 4, 2020
Ousted Cop26 chair Claire O’Neill claimed The Prime Minister didn’t understand the conference.
She was forced out earlier this month, sparking concern from supporters of who would follow in her footsteps amid rumours former PM David Cameron were among those ti turn down the role.
IMAGE CREDIT: UK Government