FOREIGN Secretary David Cameron has written to Scottish Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson threatening to withdraw co-operation with Scottish ministers after Humza Yousaf’s meeting with the Turkish president.
The ex-prime minister has been slammed for his decision by a number of figures within the SNP as he claimed the meeting breached devolution protocols.
A spokesperson for the First Minister said a Foreign Office official had been invited but "was elsewhere at the time it was convenient for the Turkish president to meet".
Here’s what Cameron's full letter says:
"My officials have Informed me that First Minister Yousaf met President Erdogan of Turkiye while at COP28 last week, discussing among other things the situation in Gaza.
"Despite an assurance being given by Scottish Government officials that they would provide sufficient advance notice to allow an FCDO official to attend that meeting, this was not done.
"A UK official was available, whose contact details were known to your officials on the ground, but the location of the meeting was not shared with them.
"The absence of an FCDO official at this meeting contravenes the protocols in our guidance on FCDO support to devolved Government Ministers’ overseas visit.
"It also fails to meet the expectations reaffirmed by my predecessor when he wrote to you on October 16.
"That letter was, I note, prompted by a similar incident where FCOO officials were not present at meeting between the First Minister and the Icelandic Prime Minster, despite verbal and written requests from my officials that they attend.
"It is critical that that the UK presents a consistent message to our international partners and that the devolution settlements are respected. We must ensure that UK foreign policy, a reserved matter, is coherent and that we speak with one voice to the international community.
"I remain open to discussing a constructive way forward. However, any further breaches of the protocol of Ministerial meetings having a FCDO official present will result in no further FCDO facilitation of meetings or logistical support.
"We will also need to consider the presence of Scottish Government offices in UK Government posts. I would be grateful for swift action to resolve this issue and I look forward to hearing from you."
