Cost of presidential visit

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has welcomed the decision by the UK Government to cover the costs of policing any US presidential visit to Scotland.

Following a letter from Mr Yousaf on Friday, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss has reversed the UK Government’s original position and confirmed the UK Government will provide ring-fenced funding of up to £5 million to cover costs incurred by Police Scotland.

On Friday, Mr Yousaf said there was clear precedent for the UK Government to provide additional funding to police forces involved in major events, and that it would be “completely unacceptable” for all costs relating to any such visit to be deemed solely a matter for the Scottish Government.

Mr Yousaf said:

“This is a welcome decision, given that President Trump is coming to the UK on the invitation of the UK Government.

“However, we should not have had to force this decision - and there should never have been an assumption that the Scottish Government would pick up the tab. 

“Although a visit to Scotland has not yet been confirmed, we continue to plan for every eventuality with our key partners including Police Scotland.”