MPs coming to Glasgow to check on preparations

THE influential Scottish affairs committee is to visit Glasgow to examine how prepared the city is for Cop26.

Members will meet representatives from Glasgow City Council, the local hotels sector and climate campaigners.

In March, the committee was told the relationship between the council and the Government ‘could not be better,’ while cooperation between the UK and Scottish Governments was described as ‘very positive and constructive’.

Since then, there have been reports that the high cost of hotel accommodation could dissuade some delegates and non-governmental organisations from attending. Questions have also been raised over delegates not being required to use the Scottish Government’s vaccine passport scheme.

While in the city, committee members will discuss the availability of accommodation, strategies to keep the city running during the conference, the local economic impact and how to ensure the event delivers ‘a positive legacy’ for Glasgow.

SNP MP Pete Wishart, who chairs the committee, said: ‘Cop26 represents the largest ever summit hosted in the UK and Scotland, and it is critical that Glasgow is ready for the influx of world leaders and others. We have heard reports of difficulties finding accommodation, concerned local businesses and reports of train strikes potentially disrupting travel.’

Referring to it as a ‘once-in-ageneration opportunity’, he said: ‘It is of paramount importance that Cop26 and the practical arrangements around it are delivered to the world-class standard that the circumstances demand.’

He added: ‘The eyes of the world will be on Glasgow.’

Last month Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the conference ‘simply must succeed’. However, this week he conceded it would be ‘extremely tough’.