Concerns remain on policing COP26
Scottish Police Authority to hear ‘lack of clarity’ from politicians
POLICE Scotland “remains concerned” about the relationship between the UK and Scottish governments amid uncertainty over who will foot the £250million security bill for the COP26 climate event in Glasgow.
The force has issues with the “lack of governance coordination” and the “lack of clarity” around the event, a report to the Scottish Police Authority reveals.
It states the cost of policing the United Nations conference, which is expected to attract around 30,000 delegates to the SEC in November, is estimated to be £250m.
The Scottish Government said it expects all costs to be covered by the UK Government, which said discussions with partners are “currently under way”.
Scotland’s police authority will meet in Stirling tomorrow. The report states: “Police Scotland remains concerned about the current lack of governance coordination between governments, and the lack of clarity on agreed outcomes for this event.”
It continues: “The UK Government has been advised of the indicative policing costs which are estimated to be £250m.
“The UK Government has been provided with a high level breakdown of these costs which are presented on the basis that there will be no financial detriment to the Scottish policing budget.”
Heads of State for all member nations are also invited to attend the conference, which will be chaired by new UK business secretary Alok Sharma.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the country “looks forward to welcoming the United Nations delegates and participants from around the world later this year”.
“Scotland is recognised internationally for its strong track record at hosting major international events and we are working collaboratively with the UK Government, Glasgow City Council and other partners to ensure the conference is a success,” she added.
“While the UK Government has committed to cover core costs, Scottish Ministers expect that all costs associated with COP26 will be borne by the UK Government.
“This includes funding for police, fire and ambulance services to both prepare for and deliver a safe, secure and successful event.
“We continue to push the UK Government on the lack of clarity on this key issue.”
A UK Government spokeswoman said: “COP26 is a top priority for the UK Government and we are committed to delivering a safe, secure and successful summit.
“Discussions on costs are currently under way and final figures will be laid out in the normal way.
“We are working closely with partners, including the Scottish Government and the police, to ensure value for the taxpayer.”