Boris Johnson’s one demand for Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison’s invitation to a leaders summit in the United Kingdom hinged on him purchasing $20k in carbon credits to offset his travel.

Senate estimates – a typically mundane affair – descended into laughter after officials revealed the purchase was made at the request of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“The purpose of that contract was the purchase of Australian carbon credit units at the request of the UK Government to offset the cost of the Prime Minister's travel to the G7 in Cornwall,” deputy secretary Simon Duggan said.

A estimates committee broke out into laughter following a disclosure from PM&C. — The estimates committee broke out into laughter following the disclosure from PM&C. Credit: Supplied

Labor’s senate leader Penny Wong asked if the request had been made to Mr Morrison directly while struggling to keep a straight face.

“So basically the British government asked the Australian government to purchase carbon credits to offset their trip … and PM&C bought the carbon credits?” she said.

Mr Duggan, who also appeared to be holding back his own amusement over the line of questioning, said the request had been made to all participants.

“The UK government set the objective of running a carbon neutral G7 and they asked all participants to offset the carbon impact,” he replied.

“So, Prime Minister Johnson asked Mr. Morrison directly, ‘Please offset your travel’?” Senator Wong replied.

Senator Tim Ayres – who had asked officials to confirm the report – said he suspected that was the case and laughed it off.xjmtzyw

“It’s like the worst kind of gesture politics really,” he joked.

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham then interjected: “Well Senator Ayres it sounds like the same request was made … certainly of all other G7 attendees and possibly others.”

Morrison G7 — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison lands in the United Kingdom ahead of the G7 Summit in Cornwall. Adam Taylor/PMO Credit: News Corp Australia

“Yeah, but other governments turned up with a serious set of propositions,” Senator Ayres laughed in response. “We turned up with $20,000 worth of carbon credits.”

Mr Johnson had declared the event would be a ‘green summit’ ahead of the Cop26 climate summit which was being held later in the year in Glasgow.

But while promising carbon neutrality, Mr Johnson came under fire for arriving in Cornwall va a jet plane rather than a train from London.