WESTMINSTER is attempting to “silence Scotland’s international voice,” risking jobs and investment by threatening to block overseas meetings, the SNP have said.
Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Scottish External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson earlier this week that the UK Government would withdraw support for international engagement if ministers kept holding meetings without officials present.
The row erupted after First Minister Humza Yousaf met with the Turkish president at COP28, without a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) official present to take notes.
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Scottish Secretary Alister Jack would later accuse the FM of another four “offences” where he held meetings without a civil servant present during a furious exchange at the Scottish Affairs Committee on Monday.
Cameron also threatened to remove Scottish staff from a number of British Embassies and High Commissions if ministers did not stick to FCDO rules.
The peer is following in the footsteps of his predecessor James Cleverly, who aimed to crack down on talk of Scottish independence with foreign officials.
Just hours after Cameron’s letter to Robertson was made public, the Scottish Government published its annual report “showcasing” the work of Scotland’s international network.
And now, SNP depute leader Keith Brown (above) has said the report shows the positive impact that Scotland’s international activity has on the economy, trade, and investment.
“Westminster’s threats to silence Scotland are either arrogant or ignorant and show they will never see the UK as a partnership of equals,” he said.
“They are seeking to damage Scotland’s place in the world and it’s clear that independence is the only way to protect our interests.
“Scotland is a proudly international country and we recognise the huge benefits of being a good global citizen - whether it be promoting Scottish businesses or playing our part in resolving international refugee crises.”
Brown said the report shows “exactly why” Scotland should be engaging with countries around the world and the “positive impact” it has on the economy.
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“Quite frankly, the Tory government should focus on trying to salvage their own international reputation which is quickly disappearing as Westminster continues to plough on with its inward looking, self-obsessed, Brexit Britain agenda,” he added.
“In the face of an increasingly isolated Westminster, the SNP will continue to stand up for Scotland’s interests and work with others where we can to build a better, fairer, successful future for everyone as an independent country.”
Previously, Yousaf called Cameron's intervention "petty".
It comes after it emerged that the FCDO is to leave its East Kilbride base, prompting outrage from local politicians at the impact it will have on the local community.
The Labour-led South Lanarkshire council said they were “astounded” by the announcement that the department will be moving to Glasgow, while SNP MSP Collette Stevenson said the move would be a “death knell” for the area.
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