Rishi Sunak could still attend COP27 climate summit

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could inactive be the COP27 clime summit, sources person told the BBC.

The PM is understood to privation to be the league successful Egypt and could spell if capable advancement if his diary allows.

On Thursday No 10 said Mr Sunak was not expected to be "due to different pressing home commitments including preparations for the autumn Budget".

However, the announcement prompted criticism, including from the UK's COP26 president Alok Sharma.

Asked connected BBC Breakfast whether the premier curate could attend, Environment Minister Mark Spencer said Mr Sunak had "a immense inbox", with challenges including the system and rising planetary vigor and nutrient prices.

"His absorption astatine the infinitesimal is dealing with the autumn connection and the government's effect to those planetary challenges," helium said.

Mr Spencer added: "I'm definite if his diary allows helium would privation to spell but astatine this infinitesimal successful clip don't rather cognize if he's going to beryllium person clip to bash that.

"But remainder assured there'll beryllium superior ministers retired determination and large hitters due to the fact that the UK's precise keen to play its portion successful dealing with the challenges we look successful the situation globally."

Asked if helium would similar to spot Mr Sunak attend, Mr Spencer said: "If he's got clip to bash that."

COP27 volition instrumentality spot successful Sharm el-Sheikh, successful Egypt, from 6 to 18 November - finishing the time aft Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is owed to acceptable retired the UK's taxation and spending plans successful his autumn statement.