Chiefs: £250m bill to

Estimate reveals big increase as Whitehall questions the costs

Police Scotland has revealed the estimated cost of security at the COP26 climate c o n f e re n c e h a s risen to £250 million. advised of expected costs for the huge summit in Glasgow and given a breakdown after the size of previous estimates raised eyebrows in Whitehall.

Police Scotland reported to a meeting of its oversight body, the Scottish Police Authority, in Stirling on Wednesday: “The UK Government has been advised of indicative policing costs which are estimated to be £250 million.

“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.

“These figures are based on reasonable worst case scenario assumptions.”

The new amount works out at more than £ 20m per day for the 12 days of the conference although it will also have factored in significant preparation costs.

The 26th Co n f e re n c e of the Parties, known as COP26, is aimed at tackling climate change and is due to take