Correspondence on Angus Robertson's trips abroad: FOI release

Information requested

1. All correspondence involving the Scottish Government, UK Government, Scotland Office, Angus Robertson and the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office about his trips abroad as a government minister between February 2023 and the date of this FOI.
2. A full schedule of Angus Robertson's future planned trips abroad over the next three months.
3. Has the Scottish Government sought permission from the FCDO for any meetings held between Scottish ministers and overseas governments since May 17. If so, can you supply the full list of requests and answers. If not, why not? Can you supply a full list of meetings held between Scottish ministers and overseas governments between May 17 and the date of this FOI, including what was discussed?

Clarification:

In relation to question 1, following our exchange of correspondence on 20th June 2023, it was clarified that you are seeking correspondence sent between February 2023 and 13th June which relates to any visits the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture has undertaken, i.e not just those which took place within that time period.

Response

In response to question 1, I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested, please find enclosed the information at Annex B of this response. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under s.38(1)(b)(personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why those exemptions apply is explained in Annex A to this letter.

In relation to question 2, while our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide the information you have requested because an exemption under s.30(b)(i) Free and Frank Provision of Advice applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies is explained in Annex A to this letter.

In relation part 1 of question 3, I can confirm the Scottish Government has no information which falls in scope. The Scottish Government is under no obligation to seek the permission of the UK Government to meet with overseas Governments. However SG officials are in regular dialogue with the UKG Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office regarding ministerial programming, including seeking advice as appropriate in relation to engagement with foreign Governments.

Ministerial engagements, travel and gifts received are routinely and proactively published within 3 months, in line with the Scottish Ministerial Code. This includes meetings with/between with overseas Governments. The information requested will be published within 12 weeks of your request (dated 13th June 2023) and will be available at the following link https://www.gov.scot/collections/ministerialengagements- travel-and-gifts/ This is a formal notice that section 27(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption allows public authorities to refuse to disclose information if they already plan to publish it within the next 12 weeks. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

Scottish Ministers undertake meetings with overseas Governments to help protect and enhance Scotland’s interests. These discussions aim to improve global networks, unlock new economic and trading opportunities and explore areas of shared ambition with international partners which can inform the Scottish Government policy agenda and benefit the people of Scotland.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

Annex A - 202300361567

File type

1 page PDF

File size

93.5 kB

Document 1-4 - 202300361567

File type

23 page PDF

File size

166.7 kB