Scottish Government Minister Security Clearances: FOI release

Information requested

1. Are Scottish Government ministers, including the First Minister, required to be security cleared by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV)?

2. If so, at what level is that Security Vetting, for example, Counter Terrorist checks (CTC), Security Checks (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV)?

3. If not, exactly and specifically what security checks are carried out on Scottish Government ministers, including the First Minister, to ensure that security risks for roles where national security concerns are a consideration are managed and mitigated appropriately?

Response

1. No.
2. Not applicable – see response to question 1.
3. As with all UK Government and Scottish Government Ministers, there are no specific checks conducted, but they are bound by the Ministerial Code (see link below, and also a link to the Ministerial Code).

Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-ministerial-code-2023-edition/

About FOI

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