ANGUS Robertson has issued a statement as he faces calls from within the SNP to step down as External Affairs Secretary amid a row over a meeting with a top Israeli diplomat.
Robertson has faced stiff criticism after a meeting with Daniela Grudsky, Israel’s deputy ambassador to the UK, which was not publicised but came out after the diplomat posted about it on social media.
Thank you @AngusRobertson for welcoming us to wonderful Scotland. Discussed the unique commonalities between 🇮🇱-🏴 and also emphasized the urgent need to bring back our 115 hostages. Looking forward to cooperating in the fields of technology, culture and renewable energy. pic.twitter.com/sh2KeqRa9j
— Daniela Grudsky (@DanielaGrudsky) August 12, 2024
In his statement, Robertson contradicted reports that he had been asked to attend the controversial meeting by First Minister John Swinney, saying it had “rightly” been his own decision – although Swinney was aware of it.
He further apologised not for the meeting taking place, but for discussing topics other than Israel’s actions in Palestine and the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Robertson added that it had been decided that it “would not be appropriate to accept any invitation for a further meeting” with the Israeli government.
In his statement, Robertson said: “Two weeks ago, I met the new Israeli UK deputy ambassador at their request.
“We anticipated the deputy ambassador would raise concerns about antisemitism, as well as other issues.
“It was rightly for me to decide whether to take the meeting, however, as is normal practice, the First Minister was made aware before the meeting happened.
“My view was that given the Israeli UK deputy ambassador had requested a meeting it was an opportunity to express the Scottish Government's clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and I did exactly that.
“No one intended that this meeting be presented as legitimatising [sic] the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. The Scottish Government has been consistent in our unequivocal condemnation of the atrocities we have witnessed in Gaza.
“The reality, however, is that this meeting has been taken by many to represent a normalisation of relations between the Israeli and Scottish Governments.
“As such, it is clear that it would have been better to ensure that the meeting was strictly limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of life in the region. I apologise for the fact that this did not happen.
“Going forward, it is clear that, having now spoken direct [sic] to the Israeli Government and making them aware of our position on an immediate ceasefire, it would not be appropriate to accept any invitation for a further meeting.
“This will remain our position until such time as real progress has been made towards peace, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance is provided and Israel cooperates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes.
“The Scottish Government does not support any normalisation of its relations with the Israeli Government during this period.
“The Scottish Government will never hold back in expressing support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, an end to UK arms being sent to Israel, and the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state within a two-state solution.”
The row over the meeting has seen John Mason, the MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, lose the SNP whip after arguing that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza.
The comments, which he has refused to retract, came after the MSP revealed that he had also met with Israeli diplomat Grudsky.
