Current status: Answered by Angus Robertson on 27 August 2025
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the release of the minute of a meeting in June 2024 between the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture and the Israeli Ambassador to the UK in which the cabinet secretary described Scotland and Israel as being "critical friends", whether it still holds this position and, if not, (a) when the position changed and (b) what subsequent discussions or correspondence it had with the Israeli Embassy regarding this matter.
Scottish Government Ministers regularly meet foreign diplomats and Ministers visiting Scotland. Agreeing to such meetings provides the opportunity to discuss international cooperation but also to express the Scottish Government's opinion on international issues. I accepted the Embassy of Israel’s request for this meeting as it was an opportunity for him to express the Scottish Government's clear and unwavering position in calling for an immediate ceasefire by all sides in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and the opening of safe routes to allow more humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza, which is what he did. Recognising the strength of feeling generated by the meeting, he subsequently issued a statement on 19 August 2024, which can be found here: Meeting with Israeli Diplomat - gov.scot.
The meeting with the Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of Israel took place to express the Scottish Government's clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The Scottish Government received the meeting request and accepted on the basis it would provide an opportunity to convey our consistent position on the killing and suffering of innocent civilians in the region.
It is clear that, having now spoken direct to the Israeli Government and making them aware of our position on an immediate ceasefire, it would not be appropriate for Ministers to accept any invitation for a further meeting. This will remain our position until such time as real progress has been made towards peace, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance is provided and Israel cooperates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes.