Scottish minister accuses Cleverly of ‘zero common courtesy’
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Scottish Government minister has criticised Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, furthering a spat over the nation’s diplomatic missions.
Mr Cleverly wrote to UK officers final month, urging them to take a “strengthened approach” to visits from devolved ministers overseas and to make sure Westminster representatives attend any conferences with overseas governments.
The transfer angered Scottish External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson, prompting a scathing letter by which he accused Mr Cleverly of constructing “misleading” statements and calling for the steerage to be withdrawn.
The row escalated on Thursday, with Mr Robertson claiming he has not obtained a reply.
He stated on Twitter: “I wrote to the Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly more than 2 weeks ago asking him to withdraw his guidance to UK missions abroad to obstruct Scotland’s international work.
“I have yet to receive a reply.
“Zero common courtesy. Typical disrespect for Scotland.”
Responding to Mr Robertson’s letter within the House of Commons, Mr Cleverly – accused of implementing “draconian” guidelines on overseas visits by SNP MPs – stated: “The competences of the Scottish Government and the reserved position of the UK Government are clear. They are absolutely clear.
“I would say to him and the House that Scotland has an excellent advocate overseas: it’s me.”