THE First Minister has insisted the Scottish Government wants the UN COP26 climate summit in Glasgow to be "a success" as fresh concerns over Boris Johnson's approach to the event emerged.

The Financial Times today published a letter from the sacked president of the summit, Claire Perry O'Neill, suggesting the Prime Minister's animosity towards Nicola Sturgeon could be putting the event at risk. She also proposed the UK Government is looking at hosting the event in England instead of Scotland as has been arranged.

Former Tory MP O'Neill was sacked as president of the talks by the PM's special adviser, Dominic Cummings, last week. 

READ MORE: Sacked COP26 summit president hits out at Boris Johnson

She wrote: "I am told by COP unit sources that budgets (which I do not see) are ballooning, the team and the Scottish Government are in an extraordinary state of stand-off and that you are considering re-locating the event to an English location.

"I had asked if you would consider re-setting your relationship with the First Minister - putting aside the devolution battle for the sake of this vastly important agenda. I understand you declined in salty terms."

O'Neill made the claims while attacking Johnson's record on climate action, stating his government is "miles off track" in setting a positive agenda ahead of the November summit.

The First Minister has now reiterated her commitment to the Glasgow summit, which will bring world leaders to the city in efforts to cut global greenhouse gases.

On Twitter, the SNP leader wrote: "To be clear - @scotgov wants #COP26 to be a success and will play our full part in making it so.

"It's not about Boris Johnson or me - it is about tackling the climate crisis. My commitment is that political differences will not stop me and my government working to make it a success."

READ MORE: Video shows PM say he doesn't want FM 'anywhere near' summit

The COP26 previously made headlines for Johnson last year, when he suggested he did not want the First Minister to attend it despite it taking place in Glasgow. 

O'Neill's letter came as Johnson prepared to unveil new strategies to address climate change, including a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles as of 2035.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Discussions are of course taking place in relation to costs, as with any major event, and Scottish ministers expect that all costs associated with COP26 will be borne by the UK Government. This includes funding for police as well as the fire and ambulance services to both prepare for and deliver a safe, secure and successful event.

"COP26 is hugely important for tackling the climate crisis and that must be the focus. A new president should be appointed immediately to make real progress in building the relationships that will be needed within the UK, and around the world, to deliver a successful outcome from the conference."