Breaking news yesterday revealed that Cornwall is to host the G7 summit in June.

Today, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said the South West has a "huge opportunity" to showcase both its assets and challenges when it hosts world leaders for the G7 summit this summer.

The June event will bring leaders from the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US to Carbis Bay with neighbouring sites in Cornwall (including Falmouth) hosting international delegates, security personnel and media.

Also invited are leaders from Australia, India and South Korea.

Although hosting the summit poses a challenge for police and partners in local authorities and the business community, it also presents a number of significant opportunities for the region, said Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.

"The summit represents a once in a generation opportunity to raise awareness of Cornwall on a global scale, and will help the local economy build back better after Covid-19 lockdowns," she said.

"It's very exciting that major decisions with far-reaching and international implications will be being made right here on our doorstep. Cornwall's incredible natural wealth and its long tradition of welcoming outsiders will make this a summit to be long remembered.

"But I also hope that world leaders are able to understand that there are communities in Cornwall that face significant challenges and reflect on those challenges and the challenges of people in a similar position across the world.

"Our force area now has a crime rate lower than all but one of 43 forces in England and Wales, but there is significant work to do to improve household income, job security and opportunities for local people here and elsewhere."

The commissioner has supported plans to add flexibility to the workforce in response to Covid-19 policing, by approving an enhanced allowance payment for Special Constables who carried out an agreed number of shifts over the busy winter period, and said that innovation and flexibility would be key to ensuring the summit was a success.

"This summer the bonds we have created with communities, local authorities, volunteers and policing teams will be needed more than ever before," she said.

"I have every confidence that with the support measures put in place Devon and Cornwall Police and our partners will deliver a safe and successful event that our communities will be proud of and create memories that will last a lifetime."

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