Rishi Sunak could U-turn and attend the COP27 climate summit after a major backlash.
The Prime Minister pulled out of next week’s talks in Egypt due to “pressing domestic commitments” - including the November 17 Autumn Statement.
But No10 today said this was now “under review” after Tory anger - and reports his rival Boris Johnson is planning to go.
The PM’s spokesman added: “Any attendance at COP would depend on progress on preparation for that fiscal event, and that work is ongoing.
"The Prime Minister fully recognises the importance of the COP summit and is fully committed to addressing climate change."
Environment Department minister Mark Spencer said the PM would attend “if he’s able to get through all” his work.
Asked if he would like to see Mr Sunak go to the talks, Mr Spencer told Sky News: “Well, if he’s got time.
“Only he will know what he’s got in his inbox and in his diary, if he has the time. But he’ll make that call and I’m sure it’ll be the right one.”
Scores of world leaders including US President Joe Biden are planning to speak at the two-week summit, which kicks off on Sunday.(NOV6)
Earlier COP26 President Alok Sharma, a Tory minister, said he was “disappointed” the PM would not go.
Ex-Chancellor George Osborne said the PM had “mishandled” the situation adding: "Why trash that because you don't want to get on a plane to Egypt?"
Climate Change Committee chairman Lord Deben said it would be “very valuable” for the PM to attend as the UK's bid to tackle emissions was "off track".
Rishi Sunak’s spokesman was asked what “vibe” the PM was giving off by removing key climate roles - including Mr Sharma’s - from the Cabinet table.
He replied: “I think frankly the public don’t judge us on the sort of vibes, I think they judge us on our outcomes.”
Mr Sunak today vowed to protect the environment as he sent congratulations to left-winger Lula da Silva for triumphing in Brazil’s presidential election.
The PM tweeted they would work on “growing the global economy to protecting the planet’s natural resources and promoting democratic values.”
The PM will attend a climate change reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by Charles III on Friday after the King was stopped from travelling to Egypt.
The monarch pulled out of the Cop27 meeting, which begins in Sharm El-Sheikh next weekend, on the advice of the government.
But it was announced yesterday he will hold his own gathering on Friday to bring together hundreds of business leaders and climate campaigners.
The King's reception at Buckingham Palace on November 4, on the eve of the UN conference in Egypt, will "bring together over 200 international business leaders, decision makers and NGOs to mark the end of the United Kingdom's presidency of Cop26 and look ahead to the Cop27 summit in Egypt," the Palace said.
Guests will include US climate envoy John Kerry and Mr Sunak will "say a few words".
Charles is a long-time champion of environmental causes and spoke at last year's Cop26 event in Glasgow.
But Downing Street on Friday said Liz Truss's Government had agreed with the monarch that it was not the "right occasion" for him to go to Egypt.
Asked if there was any update today, Rishi Sunak's official spokesman replied: “No, as we’ve said the PM is focused on pressing domestic issues, most significantly the Autumn Statement. Any attendance at COP would depend on progress on preparation for that fiscal event.”
