Number 10 plotting to stop the ‘hijacking’ of COP26 by Sturgeon

Number 10 is plotting to cut First Minister Nicola Sturgeon out of COP26 to prevent it becoming an “advert” for independence, according to leaked messages.

Advisers from Number 10 and the UK Cabinet Office have been drawing up plans to stop the first minister from stealing the limelight at the upcoming summit.

COP26, which takes place in Glasgow from October 31 until November 12, will be attended by leaders from all over the world.

However, WhatsApp messages and notes seen by The Independent suggest there are fears the first minister will hijack the summit for her own political ends.

The leaked messages say that any public statements made about the climate summit should focus on Glasgow as a city in the United Kingdom rather than Scotland – with any other mentions of Scotland including a reference to its place within the UK wherever possible.

Fears shared in the messages include “we can’t let this be used as an advert for an independence campaign”, or a “soapbox for her independence obsession”.

Notes suggest Prime Minister Boris Johnson should avoid sharing a platform with Ms Sturgeon in the run-up and during the event.

They also suggest he should include the other devolved leaders wherever possible in a bid to “neutralise” her.

Other leaked messages also say the union flag must be displayed as much as possible.

Ms Sturgeon has since said anyone who allows politics to get in the way of tackling the climate emergency at COP26 “would be abdicating that responsibility”.

She said: “All that matters is that COP26 delivers an outcome to meet the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.

“We must work together and maximise contributions towards that.

“Anyone – me or the prime minister – who allowed politics to get in (the) way would be abdicating that responsibility.”

It is understood that the Scottish Government is “infuriated” so much energy in the planning for COP26 is being spent on efforts to keep the union together rather than addressing the climate emergency.

Any public statements should focus on Glasgow as a city in the UK rather than one in Scotland

LEADERS MEET: But according to leaked messages, Boris Johnson is being advised to avoid sharing a COP26 platform with Nicola Sturgeon.