Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Douglas Ross and Barry Gardiner

Wednesday 20th May 2020 Commons Chamber

[Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab)]

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the rescheduling of COP26 to be held in Glasgow in 2021.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Douglas Ross)]

The decision on a revised date for COP26 in 2021 will be taken by the COP Bureau of the United Nations framework convention on climate change, in co-operation with the UK and Italy.

[Barry Gardiner]

As a man born and bred in Glasgow, I welcome the fact that COP26 is going to be hosted there. However, the original plan included a proposal to house 30,000 delegates in cruise liners docked in the Clyde. Not only was that ludicrously expensive, but the pollution from the diesel from those vessels would have sent entirely the wrong message from the COP. What assurance can the Minister give that more suitable accommodation is now being prepared?

[Douglas Ross]

Clearly, decisions will continue to be taken on COP26 when it is rescheduled. The point about the 30,000 delegates is important, because that will make COP26 in Glasgow—a UK-secured summit—the biggest-ever summit, delegate-wise, in the United Kingdom, and that is something we should celebrate. We will continue to work on the valuable point that the hon. Gentleman has made. Glasgow will be ready to host this outstanding international conference.