Police Scotland say cost of COP26 climate conference security has risen to £250 million

Police Scotland has revealed the estimated cost of security at the COP26 climate conference has risen to £250 million.

The UK Government has been advised of expected costs for the huge summit in Glasgow and given a breakdown after the size of previous estimates raised concern in Whitehall.

Police Scotland will report to a meeting of its oversight body, the Scottish Police Authority, in Stirling on Wednesday: “The UK Government has been advised of indicative policing costs which are estimated to be £250 million.

“The UK Government has been provided with a high level breakdown of these costs which are presented on the basis that there will be no financial detriment to the Scottish policing budget. These figures are based on reasonable worst case scenario assumptions.”

The new estimate works out at more than £20m per day for the 12 days of the conference although it will also have factored in significant preparation costs.

The 26th Conference of the Parties, known as COP26, is aimed at tackling climate change and is due to take place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in November. Police Scotland adds in a COP26 update report that it “remains concerned about the current lack of governance coordination between governments and the lack of clarity on agreed outcomes” for the event which is due to attract 30,000 delegates and 200 heads of state.

Last week, ministers at Westminster confirmed alternative venues had been booked in London as a contingency as sources claimed the estimated costs of policing the summit in Scotland were exorbitant and had to deliver far more value for money for taxpayers. There have already been tensions between Holyrood and Westminster over the summit and both goverments have been accused of playing games.

The Scottish Government said: “We are working collaboratively with the UK Government, Glasgow City Council and other partners to ensure the conference is a success.

“While the UK Government has committed to cover core costs, Scottish Ministers expect all costs associated with COP26 will be borne by the UK government. We continue to push the UK Government on the lack of clarity on this key issue.”

The UK Government said: “Discussions on costs are currently under way. We are working closely with partners, including the Scottish Government and police, to ensure value for the taxpayer.”

Meanwhile, rail chiefs are reportedly looking at a request to run trains 24 hours a day between Edinburgh and Glasgow for the duration of the summit.