Liverpool is hosting a meeting of the G7 countries from Friday 10 December – Sunday 12 December.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will host counterparts from the world’s leading economies, as the final event of the UK’s Presidency of the G7.
The city will be in the global spotlight as leaders from the US, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the EU take part in discussions and experience first-hand some of the city’s major attractions.
The event will also include delegates from guest countries such as South Korea and Australia, as well as – for the first time at a G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting – a number of South East Asian countries.
The Museum of Liverpool, on the city’s famous waterfront, will be the main location for the talks.
What is the G7?
It is an international forum that brings the world’s seven leading democratic nations together to discuss and take action on issues facing the world, with each country taking it in turns to host as part of a rotating G7 Presidency.
The UK is hosting the G7 in 2021, and the Liverpool meeting is the final event of the Presidency.
Why is it relevant to me?
The UK is hosting the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers at an unprecedented time. It is more important than ever for leading nations to unite in the fight against Covid-19, to lead including the global recovery, and to protect us all against threats such as climate change.
The UK is seeking to build stronger economic partnerships, project shared values of democracy and reinforce global security.
Discussions will include the development of vaccines, the future of green, sustainable infrastructure, as well as preventing and resolving conflict.
Why Liverpool?
Liverpool has been chosen, due to its history as a port city with a global outlook, its links around the world and thriving cultural life.
The city has a rich maritime history and has played a pivotal role in pioneering international trade. It has fostered global links through its diverse communities.
Our worldwide musical influence, including The Beatles and the Philharmonic, is immense. The city also has an incomparable place in the hearts of football fans worldwide.
In the last year Liverpool has expanded its global influence, launching a Pandemic Institute to help identify future diseases. This will help the world prevent, prepare and respond more effectively to outbreaks.
Will travel around the city be disrupted?
Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police are working with partners to minimise any disruption to residents and businesses in the run up to – and during – the event.
Access to the waterfront will be maintained throughout, except there may be delays for short periods when delegates are arriving and leaving.
Hope Street (from Hardman Street to Hope Place) and Caledonia Street (from Hope Street to Sugnall Street) will be closed from December 9 – December 13.
Is there a risk of Covid-19 cases being spread?
Procedures are in place to minimise the risk of Covid-19 spread.
Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, Matt Ashton, is working closely with Government departments including the Foreign Office and the UK Health Security Agency.
There are enhanced Covid-19 protocols in place and any delegate from overseas must self-isolate until they receive their PCR test result. All delegates will also be tested daily using a Lateral Flow test. Should they test positive, they will be required to self-isolate.
Face coverings will also be worn in enclosed spaces.
The ACC symptom free test centre will have 3 lanes dedicated to G7 delegates and support staff available for the duration of G7 event to enable rapid access to symptom free Covid-19 testing. There will be additional testing staff present at the ACC to support this.
Who is paying for it?
The cost of the event is being met by the Government and not by local Council Tax payers.
There will be an economic benefit to the city from the international profile it will bring, alongside the 300 delegates who are being hosted in key venues.
