Hammond had been expected to participate in a discussion on “The New Impetus for Europe.” The other panelists included Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Danish Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.
But when the session got underway, Hammond was not on stage. The moderator, World Economic Forum Chairman Klaus Schwab, did not acknowledge his absence.
The UK Treasury said in a statement that Hammond has a packed schedule.
“After stepping in for the Prime Minister at Davos, the Chancellor has committed to more than 20 meetings in 48 hours with a wide range of stakeholders. He has accommodated as many speaking requests as possible in the short time available.”
WEF did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Hammond is scheduled to deliver remarks at a lunch hosted by the Confederation of British Industry in Davos on Thursday.
cnn
