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02nd Nov 2021

Boris Johnson pictured maskless next to David Attenborough sparks outrage

Charlie Herbert

The pair were sat next to each other at COP26

Boris Johnson has come under fire for not wearing a mask whilst sat next to Sir David Attenborough at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

Both were at the opening ceremony of the conference on Monday (November 1).

In the picture in question, Johnson can be seen sat next to the legendary broadcaster and wildlife documentarian without wearing a protective face mask. Everyone else in the photo, including Attenborough, is wearing a mask.

The Prime Minister subsequently faced criticism online for not wearing a mask and potentially putting one of the country’s national treasures at risk.

Some suggested that the picture appeared to show Johnson falling asleep as well.

The Charlatans singer Tim Burgess wrote: “If you can’t bring yourself to wear a mask while sitting next to 95-year-old David Attenborough, how can you say that you actually care about other people?

“@BorisJohnson you really should be ashamed of yourself.”

Meanwhile, Dr Rachel Clarke wrote: “When you’re sitting next to 95-year-old Sir David Attenborough and you *still* can’t be arsed to wear a mask. Or even stay awake.”

And Labour MP Anna McMorrin also called out the PM, saying it showed “how little you care.”

Earlier, Attenborough had delivered a stirring and emotional speech encouraging world leaders to unite and turn the tide against climate change.

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