West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas says Prime Ministers and Presidents from the world’s leading democracies will enjoy the ‘warmest of welcomes’ when they meet at Carbis Bay in June for the G7 Summit.
The G7 – which is made up of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the USA and the EU – is the only forum where leaders of the world’s most influential and open societies and advanced economies are brought together for close-knit discussions.
They will also be joined by the leaders of Australia, India and South Korea who will attend as guests.
The leaders’ meeting itself will be held from 11-13 June at the Carbis Bay Estate but international delegates will also be staying at the Tregenna Castle Resort and other locations in neighbouring St Ives and around Cornwall.
Cornwall Airport Newquay and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth will also play an official role in the Summit with Falmouth hosting UK and international media.
Visit Cornwall estimates the total economic impact for the region will be £50 million, including through an increase in future tourism.
Mr Thomas is particularly pleased that the Government has committed to working closely with Cornish leaders and institutions to ensure that Cornwall reaps the benefits of hosting the G7 for years to come.
“I said in my first ever election address that ‘we must not accept being the end of the line - we can be the start of something good! I still believe this and we must not miss the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for West Cornwall,” said Mr Thomas.
“In a year of recovery from Covid and a focus on how the world will cut harmful emissions (COP26 is also in Britain this year) we could not have a better time to host the world’s leaders for the G7 Summit.
“Cornwall is already a leading player in green innovation and this summit will enable us to show how rural areas can play a key role in creating a decarbonised, digitised world fit for the future.
“We will be offering our guests the warmest of welcomes and the opportunity we have to showcase the very best of Cornwall on a global stage.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Cornwall was a ‘perfect location for a crucial summit’.
“Two hundred years ago Cornwall’s tin and copper mines were at the heart of the UK’s industrial revolution and this summer Cornwall will again be the nucleus of great global change and advancement,” he said.
“I’m very much looking forward to welcoming world leaders to this great region and country.”
Further details around plans for the Summit will be announced in due course. The Government is working closely with Cornwall Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Members of Parliament and other local stakeholders to ensure the smooth running of the event.
Contingency planning is also under way depending on Covid-19 restrictions and the need for social distancing and international travel restrictions.
