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EXCLUSIVE: Dramatic moment armed police swooped on two men just 500 yards from where Barack Obama was giving COP26 speech - as ex-US President warns 'time is running out' over climate change

  This is the dramatic moment armed police swooped on two men just 500 yards from where   Barack Obama   was giving a speech at   COP26 . Se...

 This is the dramatic moment armed police swooped on two men just 500 yards from where Barack Obama was giving a speech at COP26.

Several vehicles blocked off the two suspects before more than half a dozen officers threw the men to the ground face down before handcuffing them where they lay.

Today Mr Obama addressed conference delegates at the SEC complex in Glasgow to warn that 'time is running out' in the battle against climate change.  

A witness to the drama this morning on St Vincent Street at around 11.15am told MailOnline: 'There was the sound of cars screeching and lots of shouting of ''armed police''.

Several vehicles blocked off the two suspects before more than half a dozen officers threw the men to the ground face down before handcuffing them where they lay

Several vehicles blocked off the two suspects before more than half a dozen officers threw the men to the ground face down before handcuffing them where they lay

A witness to the drama this morning on St Vincent Street at around 11.15am told MailOnline: 'There was the sound of cars screeching and lots of shouting of ''armed police'''

A witness to the drama this morning on St Vincent Street at around 11.15am told MailOnline: 'There was the sound of cars screeching and lots of shouting of ''armed police'''

'Two men were dragged from a blue car and forced to the ground and surrounded by police. Some were disguised to hide their faces. One of the arrested men was bald and wearing a checked shirt.'

Today Mr Obama told COP26 delegates  he had a 'hard time' staying away from Cop26 in Glasgow.

'Even though I'm not required to attend summits like this this any more, old habits die hard,' he said. 

'And when the issue at hand is the health of our planet, and the world our children and our grandchildren will inherit, then you will have a hard time keeping me away. That's why I'm here today.'

He continued: 'When it comes to climate, time really is running out.

'You heard the same message from world leaders last week. Now that they've left, here's what we can report: meaningful progress has been made since Paris.

'The agreements made here in Glasgow, thanks to so many of you - including my friend John Kerry, who is tireless with his team - thanks to your efforts here in Glasgow we see the prospect of further progress.

'What is also true is that collectively and individually, we are still falling short.


'We have not done nearly enough to address this crisis, we are going to have to do more, and whether that happens or not to a large degree is going to depend on you - not just you in this room, but anybody who's watching or reading a transcript of what I'm saying here today.'

Earlier today, he spoke at an event with leaders of island states threatened by rising oceans. 

The former president - who was born in Hawaii - told the event he is 'an island kid', describing islands as the 'canary in the coal mine' for action on the climate.

He told attendees 'our islands are threatened more than ever' and praised Joe Biden for highlighting their plight. 

He said rich nations 'have an added burden to make sure we are working with and helping and assisting those who are less responsible and less able but more vulnerable to this oncoming crisis'.

Concluding his remarks, he invoked a Hawaiian proverb: 'Unite to move forward'.

Explaining its meaning, he said: 'It's a reminder that if you all want to paddle a canoe you better all be rowing in the same direction and at the same time, every oar has to move in unison, that's the only way that you move forward.' 

Boris Johnson and Joe Biden have both given addresses on climate change at COP26. 

They attended a dinner at the nearby Glasgow Art Galleries, which is walking distance from where the arrests took place.

Today Mr Obama addressed conference delegates at the SEC complex in Glasgow about the fate of island nations, using a Hawaiian provert to warn of the threat of climate change


Increased security around the event is now likely, despite protests in the city having been peaceful in recent days.

Police had praised the behaviour of 100,000 protestors who marched to Glasgow Green on Saturday.

Mr Obama touched down at Glasgow Airport in a Bombardier 6000 private jet from Washington last night.

Wearing a black face mask, he was whisked away in a convoy of eight armoured vehicles with armed guards.

The former US President touched down at Glasgow International Airport before being driven away in a black SUV.

The 60-year old had earlier tweeted about his visit, confirming he would be joining in the global effort to tackle the climate change emergency.

Revealing he would be doing all he could to contribute, he tweeted: 'Five years ago, the Paris Agreement went into effect.

'Paris provided an important framework in the fight against climate change, but it wasn't enough.

'That's why I'll be speaking in Glasgow on Monday about the road ahead and what young people in particular can do to help.'

Mailonline has contacted Police Scotland for comment. 

The former president - who was born in Hawaii - told the event he is 'an island kid', describing islands as the 'canary in the coal mine' for action on the climate

The former president - who was born in Hawaii - told the event he is 'an island kid', describing islands as the 'canary in the coal mine' for action on the climate

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