Scottish Affairs Committee visits Glasgow to hear how prepared the city is for COP26
As many as 30,000 delegates are expected to gather from around the world for the 1-12 November summit, which seeks to forge a path to halving global emissions and tackling climate change. It will be one of the largest events held in the UK.
The Committee heard in a session on the subject in March that the relationship between Glasgow City Council and the Government “could not be better,” with cooperation between the UK and Scottish Governments also “very positive and constructive”.
However, there have been reports that the high cost of hotel accommodation could dissuade some delegations and non-governmental organisations from attending COP26, as well as questions raised over delegates not being required to use the Scottish Government’s vaccine passport scheme.
Meeting details
Likely areas of questioning
Among the issues likely to be discussed are:
- Whether a sufficient amount of accommodation is available during COP26;
- Glasgow City Council’s strategies to keep the city running during the conference;
- The local economic impact of COP26;
- Whether COP26 has encouraged sustainability in Glasgow/Scotland and how to ensure it will deliver a positive legacy for Glasgow.
Chair's comment
Scottish Affairs Committee Chair, Pete Wishart MP, 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.
Ahead of the summit, our Committee will visit Glasgow to see if they are ready for this once in a generation opportunity.
It is of paramount importance that COP26, and the practical arrangements around it, are delivered to the world-class standard that the circumstances demand. The eyes of the world will be on Glasgow.”