South Africa says it cannot “rule out” not attending the COP26 summit starting in Glasgow next month – adding that the current rules for delegates from COVID red list countries means the conference could “collapse”.

Clayson Monyela, South Africa’s head of public diplomacy, told Sky News that nations on the red list have essentially been “banned” from attending the summit due to rules which mean a vaccinated delegate would have to quarantine for five days, while an unvaccinated delegate would have to quarantine for 10.

He added South Africa is now considering whether or not to send delegates and negotiators to the conference.

Mr Monyela added other red list countries in Africa and South America “are asking themselves similar questions”.

1/3 The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) from 31 Oct-12 Nov. Delegates/negotiators from "Red-listed countries" (Africa, South America etc) will be quarantined for 5 days (vaccinated) & 10 days (unvaccinated). I have a few questions. #UKRedList

The UK is set to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference, referred to as COP26, between 31 October and 12 November. More than 30,000 people from roughly 200 countries are expected to attend, but some associated events will happen online.

Mr Monyela said: “A decision on whether South Africa will choose not to attend has not been made yet, but we can’t rule it out.

“But it is unreasonable for South Africa to be on the UK red list, there is no scientific evidence to support this. It makes no sense.”

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Mr Monyela added: “I can’t speak for other countries, but I know the questions South Africa is asking, many of the countries on the continent and in South America are asking similar questions.

“I think that’s the issue that the United Nations and the UK need to think about. At the rate things are going you risk having a ‘European COP26’ to the exclusion of Africa and South America.

“How is that then the United Nations conference on climate change? When you have basically banned other countries from participating?”

Mr Monyela also highlighted how “decisions are taken on a consensus basis” at the conference and it therefore presents a very serious issue if other countries choose not attend.

He added that South Africa has been “playing a leading role on climate change” and “excluding” them and other countries through quarantine rules could lead to the “collapse of the conference” altogether.

Sky News has contacted the Cabinet Office department responsible for preparing for the COP26 summit for comment.

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