World leaders will meet in south west

UK's second-best county to host G7 summit

Prime ministers and presidents from the world's leading seven democratic countries will be hosted in the south west this summer. The UK government has chosen the country's second-best county to host the G7 summit in June. They're going to Carbis Bay near St Ives, along with select other venues across Cornwall from 11 to 13 June.
 
The G7 – which is made up of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the USA and the EU – brings leaders together for close discussions. They will also be joined by the leaders of Australia, India and South Korea who will attend as guests. 

Visit Cornwall estimates the total economic impact for the region will be £50 million, including through an increase in future tourism. Twenty per cent of Cornwall’s jobs are already linked to the tourism industry.

The government says it wants to provide a positive legacy for Cornwall that extends long beyond the summit itself. The choice of Cornwall means the eyes of the world will be on the beautiful region. Contingencies are in place to respond to public health advice and ensure the Summit is Covid-safe. 

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.

As a powerhouse for green innovation, Cornwall is an ideal location for global discussions on building back better from the coronavirus crisis. The summit is an opportunity to show the crucial role that rural areas like Cornwall will play in the decarbonised, digitised world of tomorrow, complementing our major cities.

G7 countries already have strong ties to the region, including mining pioneers who migrated to the US in the 19th century, innovative Japanese pottery in St Ives, and historic connections with Brittany in France.

Prime Minister Boris Johnston said: “As the most prominent grouping of democratic countries, the G7 has long been the catalyst for decisive international action to tackle the greatest challenges we face. From cancelling developing world debt to our universal condemnation of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the world has looked to the G7 to apply our shared values and diplomatic might to create a more open and prosperous planet.

“Coronavirus is doubtless the most destructive force we have seen for generations and the greatest test of the modern world order we have experienced. It is only right that we approach the challenge of building back better by uniting with a spirit of openness to create a better future.

“Cornwall is the perfect location for such 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. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming world leaders to this great region and country.”

Julian German, leader of Cornwall Council said: “On behalf of the residents of Cornwall, I will be delighted to say “Welcome to Cornwall – Kernow a’gas dynnergh” to the world leaders taking part in the G7 Summit in June. I am so proud that Cornwall is being recognised on the world stage.
Reaching out to others has always been Cornwall’s strength – both historically when we shared our mining expertise across the world and today, as pioneers of deep space communication at Goonhilly satellite earth station and developing the capability for horizontal satellite launch through Spaceport Cornwall.

"We are already renowned for our hospitality and over four and a half million visitors every year experience our unique culture, enjoy the breathtaking landscapes as well as the high quality artisan food and drink we are so proud of. We are keen that this summit showcases the Cornwall we all know and love and more importantly, leaves a lasting economic legacy that benefits every community.”

Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall said:“Cornwall has been voted the best holiday region in the UK for 10 out of the last 11 years in the British Travel Award, but it is a hidden gem to so many potential visitors from outside the UK. The G7 Leaders’ summit will focus the world’s press and TV on this very special place and this exposure is promotion we could never buy.

It will not only showcase the beauty of Cornwall but give us the opportunity to communicate our heritage, culture and the connections to each country which will help drive growth in international visitors over the next decade.” 

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 underway depending on covid-19 restrictions and the need for social distancing and international travel restrictions.