Meeting between Angus Robertson MSP and Israeli diplomat: FOI release

Information requested

All information pertaining to the meeting between Angus Robertson MSP and Israeli diplomat Daniela Ekstein at St Andrews House on 8th August 2024. Including the details relating to how the meeting was organised, what the agenda was for and meeting minutes relating to discussions.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested attached to this email in Annex A.

An exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to email conversations where the formulation or development of Scottish Government policy is discussed.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of the subject matter as well as the interest in open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in officials being able to discuss formulation of policy in a free manner.

An exemption under section 29(1)(d) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to email and Whatsapp conversations that are related to the operation of a Ministerial Private Office.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of the subject matter as well as the interest in open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in the effective running of Ministerial Private Offices in assisting Ministers with their day-to-day duties.

An exemption under section 30(b)(i) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to email conversations where members of the Scottish Government provide free and frank advice.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of the subject matter as well as the interest in open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in government officials having the space to provide impartial advice.

An exemption under section 32(1)(a) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to any information that may cause substantial prejudice to international relations between the UK and any other state.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of the subject matter as well as the interest in open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in the Scottish and UK Governments being able to maintain good and honest relations with states they choose to engage with.

An exemption(s) under section(s) 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to personal data belonging to a third party. This includes names of civil servants as well as correspondence from third parties.

This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

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.

FOI 202400426355 - Information Released - Annex

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PDF

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1.2 MB