In an exclusive interview for Sky News’ Ukraine: A Modern War programme, the former prime minister told Mark Austin he was “invited by the Egyptians” at the climate conference. And he said he was “very glad I went”, adding: “I happen to have a special interest.” Number 10 joins chorus of criticism for Hancock’s reality show – live policy updates Mr Johnson claimed it had “become fashionable” to talk about the previous COP held in Glasgow last year – perhaps taking a dig at some of his less climate-conscious colleagues in parliament. But he said the conference was a “fantastic global success” that did “an enormous amount of good for the planet” and at this year’s event, which starts on Sunday, he wanted to “talk a bit about how you see things and how we see things in United Kingdom”. During the interview, Johnson also told Sky News Vladimir Putin “would be crazy” to use a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine and that he did not believe he would. You can watch the full interview on Ukraine: A Modern War on Sky News from 7.30pm tonight Mr Johnson’s confirmation could put additional pressure on Rishi Sunak to attend COP27, rather than leaving the world stage for his predecessor to appear. Initially, the new resident of Number 10 was not going to head to the conference in Sharm El-Sheikh due to “other pressing domestic commitments”. But Mr Sunak has faced a barrage of criticism, with Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer accusing him of showing a “failure of leadership” and Greenpeace UK saying he is not taking climate change “seriously enough”. COP26 chairman and former cabinet minister Alok Sharma – who lost his seat at the table in the new prime minister’s reshuffle – also suggested Mr Sunak risked undermining the UK’s position as a world leader on green issues if he avoided the conference. Within days, Downing Street reversed course, saying the prime minister’s attendance was “under consideration” depending on progress on preparations for the economic statement, scheduled for November 17. Other politicians attending COP27 are US President Joe Biden and US Special Envoy on Climate Change, John Kerry. A Scottish Government spokesman also confirmed last week that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon plans to attend. Mr Sunak’s predecessor, Liz Truss, was due to go to the summit before the death of her prime minister. King Charles, who as Prince of Wales has been a vocal campaigner on climate issues, will also not attend this year, but will host a reception for COP27 key figures at Buckingham Palace on the Friday before the event.
