The Russian President will join China's Xi Jinping in staying away from the gathering hosted by Boris Johnson from October 31 to discuss global emission curbs. It means leaders of two of the world's biggest polluters will not be present at the UN-backed talks.

       Mr Putin's absence follows the diplomatic freeze between London and Moscow after the Salisbury poisoning attack by alleged Russian agents.

       Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Unfortunately, Putin will not fly to Glasgow."

       He insisted that climate change was "one of our foreign policy's most important priorities". But Mr Peskov said Russia will be represented, with details to be released at a later date.

       Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "We strongly encourage world leaders to attend, given this is a very critical moment in terms of tackling climate change".

       "The PM is looking forward to meeting all the leaders who have confirmed their attendance, which I believe is over 120 so far."

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