Video: Kwasi Kwarteng leaves COP26 panel event without a face mask

During COP26, members of the UK Government have been captured on camera not wearing face masks, despite guidance throughout the conference to wear one.

Among them is Secretary of State for Business, Kwasi Kwarteng, who left a panel today (4 November) without wearing a face covering.

The official guidance regarding Covid-19 at COP26 provided by the UN states: “Participants must wear face coverings except when eating, drinking, sitting in office spaces/meetings, sitting to perform negotiations, or are medically exempt.”

While conducting the panel Mr Kwarteng was allowed to remove his mask, as per the guidance.

But upon leaving he did not put his mask on despite the people around him wearing theirs.

Questions are being asked about the appropriate Covid measures at the event in light of Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti, announcing he is self-isolating in his hotel room after contracting the virus.

Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow city council, has announced that she is self-isolating after meeting with Mr Garcetti.

Ms Aitken tweeted: "I was with Mayor Garcetti, who has tested positive for Covid, on Tuesday.

"I’ve had two negative lateral flow tests since then but I’ve also taken a PCR test, have withdrawn from my planned engagements and will self isolate at home until I get a negative result."

A tweet from Mr Garcetti’s official twitter account said: "Mayor Garcetti tested positive for COVID-19 earlier today. He is feeling good and isolating in his hotel room. He is fully vaccinated."

We have approached the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy for comment.

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