Boris set to ‘upstage’ Sunak with plan to attend COP27 summit

Number 10 was left “alarmed” amid speculation Boris Johnson could attend the upcoming COP27 summit in Egypt, a report has claimed. Sources close to the ex-Prime Minister have claimed Mr Johnson intends to go to the crucial meeting of world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh between November 6 and November 17. Mr Johnson, who missed out on a return to Downing Street after he spectacularly dropped out of the most recent Tory leadership contest, fell out with Mr Sunak after the former Chancellor quit his Cabinet.However, Mr Sunak appeared to welcome the prospect of his ex-boss making a return on the international stage.The Prime Minister said: “Although he has decided not to run for Prime Minister again, I truly hope he continues to contribute to public life at home and abroad.”GB News host Mark Dolan warned Mr Johnson’s appearance at COP27 could be “awkward” for Mr Sunak.Speaking on ‘The Papers’ yesterday, Mr Dolan said: “This is Boris Johnson muscling in and upstaging the Prime Minister.”Mr Sunak, who attended the COP26 summit in Glasgow last year, was also accused of a “failure of leadership” after he announced he would not attend the UN event.JUST IN: ‘Fighting actual crime!’ Rishi Sunak prepares to launch pushback against ‘woke policing’ ‘Muscling in!’ Boris Johnson set to ‘upstage’ Rishi Sunak with plan to attend COP27 summit (Image: Getty) Boris Johnson could attend COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh between November 6 and November 17. (Image: Getty)Responding to criticism, the Prime Minister defended the UK’s climate recordHe said: “The leadership that we have shown on the climate is unmatched almost along the world.”If you look at what we’ve done in this country, those are an example for others to follow.Mr Sunak added: “It is important to me that, as Prime Minister, we leave behind an environment that is better for our children and grandchildren.”The Richmond MP also said he will miss COP27 to focus on the “depressing” challenges facing the UK economy.READ MORE: ‘Fingers pointed to Suella!’ Braverman was probed over alleged leak on hated Brexit deal The Prime Minister was dealt a blow by the UK’s COP26 President Alok Sharma. (Image: Getty)Despite defending the Government’s green record, Mr Sunak was dealt a blow by the UK’s COP26 President Alok Sharma.Mr Sharma, who was kicked out of Mr Sunak’s Cabinet circle along with Climate Minister Graham Stuart, voiced concern about Mr Sunak’s decision to miss COP27.The former Business Secretary told the Times: “I’m pretty disappointed that the Prime Minister is not going.”I understand that he’s got a huge in-tray of domestic issues that he has to deal with.”But I would say that going to COP27 would allow for engagement with other world leaders. And I think it does send a signal – if the Prime Minister was to go – about our renewed commitment on this issue.”DON’T MISS:British Gas issues dire warning as UK has only nine days of gas left [LATEST]Daily Express campaign urges Sunak to protect pension triple lock [COMMENTS]Rishi Sunak plays games with triple lock while pensioners struggle [OPINION] Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak attended the COP26 summit in Glasgow last year. (Image: Getty) Rishi Sunak quit Boris Johnson’s Cabinet in the summer triggering mass resignations. (Image: Getty)A Government spokesperson said: “The Government is absolutely committed to supporting COP27 and leading international action to tackle climate change and protect nature.”The UK will be fully represented by senior ministers, including the foreign, business and environment secretaries, as well as COP President Alok Sharma.”They will be working to ensure that countries continue to make progress on the groundbreaking commitments made at COP26 in Glasgow.”A Number 10 spokeswoman added: “The Prime Minister is not expected to attend COP27 and this is due to other pressing domestic commitments including preparations for the Autumn budget.”The UK will be fully represented by other senior ministers as well as the COP President Alok Sharma.”