COP26: Did Boris Johnson and Sir David Attenborough break face mask rules?

Boris Johnson has come under fire for not wearing a mask while sat next to Sir David Attenborough - but did he break any rules?

We've had billionaires pledging their money, world leaders promising to cut carbon emissions and Greta Thunberg leading rebellious chants.

But one image from the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow has really got people talking.

It's of Prime Minister Boris Johnson not wearing a face mask as he sits next to broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.

The PM has come under fire for the photo - but did he break the rules and is there more than meets the eye?

One picture does not tell the whole story.

What are the COP26 rules on face masks?

According to an official COP26 document available online, the conference's organisers say attendees must wear a mask at all times except when eating, drinking, sitting in office/meeting spaces, conducting negotiations, giving speeches, or if medically exempt.

But it does say that "face coverings should be worn when sitting in theatre-style seating".

That document is dated 24 October 2021.

However, the Prime Minister's office has told Newsbeat it's been sent a newer version of the rules, dated 29 October. These say that taking your mask off at your seat is allowed.

COP26 hasn't responded to Newsbeat's request to clarify what the rules are in respect to this specific situation.

Sir David Attenborough told us that he does not wish to comment.

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The conference is being held in Scotland, which also has rules on wearing masks to help stop the spread of Covid.

Essentially, everyone over 12 has to wear one in most indoor public places.

What does Boris Johnson say?

A spokeswoman for the prime minister told Radio 1 Newsbeat he had followed the coronavirus rules at COP26 "throughout" and that those attending "are not required to wear a face mask when they are seated".

Boris Johnson has faced backlash on social media since the photo came to light.

He told CNN he's been wearing masks in confined spaces "with people I don't normally talk to".

"It's up to people to take a judgement whether they're at a reasonable distance from someone... that's the approach we take."

Is there more than meets the eye?

Viral social media moments often don't tell the full story.

In another photo, taken in the same set of images, the PM can be seen wearing a mask while Sir David has removed his.

Downing Street says the PM's been following the conference's rules on stopping the spread of Covid

And in a third image, neither of them are wearing a mask.

Should we rely on one picture to tell the full story? Probably not

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