Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 12 December 2023
12 Dec 2023 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Topical Question Time
Scottish Government Overseas Meetings (United Kingdom Government Support)
First, Dr Allan was quoting from the explanatory notes to the Scotland Act 1998, so his question is a statement of fact. In answer to the question specifically, no Scottish Government minister has or would purport to speak for the United Kingdom or to reach agreements that commit the UK. I asked James Cleverly for any examples of such a thing happening. He said that he had none.
We invite FCDO officials to attend our formal meetings. It is impossible to predict where and when informal meetings will happen during large-scale events such as the 28th UN climate change conference of the parties—COP28. To threaten Scotland’s interests on the basis of those discussions, arranged at pace, is ridiculous.
In the same item of business
2. Alasdair Allan (Western Isles) (SNP)
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the letter from the UK foreign secretary to the constitution secretary, what its response is to reports that the ...
The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (Angus Robertson)
SNP
It might be helpful to the member and others in the chamber if I were to provide some background and context. In April, the former Foreign Secretary, James C...
Alasdair Allan
SNP
The framers of the Scotland Act 1998 were clear that “the reservation of international relations does not have the effect of precluding the Scottish Ministe...
Angus Robertson
SNP
First, Dr Allan was quoting from the explanatory notes to the Scotland Act 1998, so his question is a statement of fact. In answer to the question specifical...
Alasdair Allan
SNP
The engagement that Scotland undertakes with our international partners plays a key role in helping to attract inward investment and to promote brand Scotlan...
Angus Robertson
SNP
Anyone who doubts the benefits of our work overseas should take a look at the report on the work of Scotland’s international network, which highlights the re...
Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
Although Scottish ministers clearly have a role to play in promoting Scotland abroad, that should never infringe on the devolution settlement, which of cours...
Angus Robertson
SNP
Donald Cameron has brought up the letter of the law. The Scotland Act 1998 is very clear. Let me again share with members what the notes say: “The reservati...