Read: Cop26 UN climate conference to go ahead in person in Glasgow

A pivotal UN climate conference will go ahead in person in Glasgow in November but special measures will be needed to ensure that the thousands of delegates from more than 190 countries do not spread coronavirus, according to the minister leading the event.

Alok Sharma, president of the conference, known as Cop26, confirmed it would be a “physical Cop”, ending speculation that the event might be held virtually.

“What is very clear to me is that people want to see a physical Cop, and this is particularly important for developing countries who want to sit at the same table,” he said.

“They want to sit face to face with the big nations, the big emitters, as part of these negotiations. We have to remember that this is a conference, a summit, like no other. It’s not just a bunch of speeches that are given. This is 197 parties coming together for negotiation.

“When you have a negotiation, there will be times when people want to break off and have discussions on the side. And that’s why people want to see a physical event.”

Harness the energy transition is one of the Levelling Up Goals, launched to set out clear objectives for the UK's Levelling Up challenge in the wake of Covid-19.