ALOK SHARMA has pledged that the safety of Glaswegians will be paramount when COP26 comes to the city later this year. 

Speaking from Whitelee Wind Farm, outside Glasgow, the COP26 President-Designate said it was vital the event went ahead in person. It is expected that delegates from 197 countries will descend on the city in November. 

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Glasgow Times:

Speaking to reporters after his speech, the former Business Secretary could not commit to saying whether all representatives would be vaccinated for the event. 

He said: "We are working our way through in terms of Covid-secure measures and vaccines will be considered but can't commit to that right now.

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Glasgow Times:

"We understand the importance of the question of the safety of people in Glasgow."

He described the event, which will see most countries in the world meet for negotiations in Glasgow, as the planet's "moment of truth". 

Mr Sharma said it was "vital" a physical event went ahead as planned to allow key discussions to take place effectively. 

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He added the UK Government is in discussions with Public Health Scotland, the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to make sure the event is safe for attendees and the people of the city, who have been approached for comment. 

When asked if the UK Government was in discussions with the council to make sure the city is looking its best before delegates came to the city, Mr Sharma said: "That has not been part of the discussions so far in terms of planning for the delivery of COP so far."