Cop26: Emotional Alok Sharma apologises as coal phaseout text in deal ‘watered down’

Alok Sharma apologised on Saturday for how the Cop26 deal negotiations concluded with last-minute changes on the wording about coal.

Choking up, the Cop26 President said he us “deeply sorry” for the way the process unfolded.

Addressing delegates, he said: “May I just say to all delegates I apologise for the way this process has unfolded and I am deeply sorry.”

He added: “I also understand the deep disappointment but I think as you have noted, it’s also vital that we protect this package.”

It comes after a key change to the deal on coal, following a proposed revision by India to water down language on coal.