Nicola Sturgeon has been challenged to meet refuse workers planning to strike during COP26 to hear first hand the challenges they face every day in Glasgow.
The invitation was extended by Anas Sarwar at First Minister's Questions as he accused the SNP leader of "lecturing the world" on the environment but "turning a blind eye" to the environment city residents face every day.
The Scottish Labour leader will meet members of the GMB union tomorrow ahead of planned industrial action which could see bin collections grind to a halt during the COP26 climate conference.
But Sturgeon shot back at Sarwar and accused him of "talking down" Glasgow for political purposes.
The condition of Scotland's largest city has become a major talking point ahead of it hosting the largest political gathering in UK history.
Opposition parties have repeatedly accused the SNP-run council of failing to get to grips with issues of flytipping and graffiti across the city.
Speaking at Holyrood today, Sarwar said: "I love Glasgow, it is my home, but it has been let down by the SNP. They can't even get the basics right.
"Tonnes of waste piling up on our street. Fly-tipping on the rise, and over a million rats. Glasgow deserves better.
"So while Nicola Sturgeon lectures the world on the global environment, she is turning a blind eye to the environment Glaswegians are living in every single day.
"Tomorrow I'll be joining cleansing workers who have been on the frontline throughout this pandemic. They have been crying out for months for Nicola Sturgeon to tackle the waste crisis - but they have been repeatedly ignored.
"So will she join me tomorrow in Glasgow to hear directly from them about the challenges they face every day?"
The First Minister hit back: "I will be working hard to make sure the Scottish Government is doing everything to support COSLA and local authorities and I to reach an agreement with trade unions to resolve the issues here - that's my job and my responsibility.
"I don't shy away from the problems and the challenges that cities like Glasgow - because Glasgow is not unique here in the times we live through - but nor will I stand here and allow Glasgow, one of the greatest cities in the world, to be talked down for political purposes in the way Anas Sarwar has disgracefully been doing in recent times."
It comes as a threatened rail strike - which would have seen almost ScotRail services suspended during COP26 - called off at the 11th hour last night after unions and transport bosses finally agreed a deal.
It also means passenger services will return to normal on Sundays for the first time in more than six months.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
