Advocates of climate action fear Conservative Way Forward's relaunch will galvanise the right-wing campaign being waged against Britain’s net-zero efforts.

Nadhim Zahawi brings a long history of working with the sector into a key climate role in the British government.

Eight members of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group endorsed a report by Howard Cox opposing the UK’s phase-out of petrol and diesel cars.

The countries involved produce only a small proportion of global oil and gas supply, but see the world-first diplomatic effort as a starting point.

Indigenous groups led the march amid criticism that they have been side-lined from the official COP26 summit.

Campaigners said the news demonstrated a “classic case of the revolving door” between “big polluters” and governments.

Denmark and South Africa were the only exceptions among the 35 country pavilions at the UN climate summit, and the latter’s stall is sponsored by coal companies.

CFACT and the Heartland Institute are hosting an alternative side event — but “these days, almost no-one cares,” says one climate expert.

Thirteen investors with stakes in expanding airports including Bristol and Heathrow are signed up to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment scheme, DeSmog can reveal.

Campaigners have criticised Captain Ian Finley, a UK resident who has represented the Cook Islands at the International Maritime Organization since 2006, for consistently defending industry interests.