Facts

Environment Secretary Dr Thérèse Coffey was answering questions from Sky News on whether Liz Truss, when she was PM, had advised King Charles not to attend COP27. She replied that she was "conscious that King Charles has always taken a very deep interest in the environment and climate change, and of course, it would be up to him to decide how he chooses where to put his priorities as King."

The same day, Downing Street confirmed  it had been “unanimously agreed” that the King would not attend the COP27 climate summit under Liz Truss’s premiership. A No 10 spokesperson said advice was sought, as is “standard practice”, and it was agreed it was not the “right occasion” for Charles to visit in person. She said: "As is standard practice, government advice was sought and provided under a previous PM, and it was unanimously agreed that it would not be the right occasion for the King to visit in person." She added she is “not aware” that the advice has changed.

Verdict

Dr Thérèse Coffey, who had been deputy Prime Minister under Liz Truss, was misleading Sky viewers. She was wrong to say it was "up to him" whether the King  went to COP 27. As Downing Street made clear, Liz Truss had instructed Prince Charles not to attend. 

We emailed Dr Thérèse Coffey’s office offering her the chance to respond. The email was received, but no reply.