One of Reading’s MPs has been knighted for the contributions he has made as a world leader in tackling climate change.

Alok Sharma, the Conservative MP for Reading West, received a knighthood for his leadership as President of the COP26 conference held in Glasgow in 2021.

His contribution was noted for making ‘a historic agreement from individual countries that will have a major impact in addressing climate change in the future’.

Since the conference, Sir Alok spent much of 2022 flying across the world to encourage nations to meet the commitments made in Glasgow and attending international conferences.

Sir Alok racked up approximately 63,934 air miles from January to June last year, as the COP26 Presidency took him to countries in America, Africa and Asia.

READ MORE: Reading MP travels thousands of miles in tour of Europe, Africa and USA

Celebrating being knighted, Alok Sharma said: “I am truly humbled to receive this honour.

“Delivering the COP26 conference and getting almost 200 countries to agree the Glasgow Climate Pact were collectively a great UK team effort, supported by many of our dedicated civil servants and diplomats around the world.

“However, if we are to keep alive the prospect of limiting average global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, which will help to avert the worst impacts of climate change, all countries need to redouble efforts to meet their climate commitments.”

READ MORE: What's next for Alok Sharma as he reflects on COP26 Presidency 

Sir Alok is among the first people knighted by His Majesty King Charles III, being appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in the New Year’s Honours List 2023.

Sir Alok’s colleague Sir John Redwood, MP for Wokingham, was knighted in the New Year’s Honours in 2019.