Glasgow will host a major United Nations climate change summit next year, if a UK bid is successful.

The UK and Italy have lodged a joint bid to host the 26th Conference of the Parties, known as COP26. It has been proposed that the UK would host the main conference, with a preliminary meeting held in Italy.

While Turkey is still in the running for the event, the UK is now seen as the clear favourite.

If that bid is successful, the event would take place at Glasgow’s Scottish Events Campus (SEC) at the end of 2020 and would be held at Glasgow’s Scottish Events Campus (SEC) on the banks of the River Clyde.

Up to 30,000 delegates are expected to attend the conference.

Lasting for two weeks, it would be the largest summit the UK has ever hosted, with up to 200 world leaders expected to attend for the final weekend.

Former energy minister Claire Perry, who is the UK-nominated president for COP26, said: “As one of the UK’s most sustainable cities, with a record for hosting high-profile international events, Glasgow is the right choice to showcase the UK’s commitment to the environment.

“In 2020, world leaders will come together to discuss how to protect our planet and set the direction for the years to come.”

Under UN rules, next year’s COP26 will be held in a European country.