JOHN Swinney has said he is “sure” discussions about the Scottish Government’s meeting with an Israeli diplomat will take place at the upcoming SNP conference.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the First Minister and SNP leader was asked whether the meeting could cast a shadow on next week’s conference.
“I'm sure there will be discussions about these issues,” he said.
“But the party conference will decide exactly what it wants to debate.”
It comes as Angus Robertson issued a statement over his meeting with Israel’s deputy ambassador to the UK, writing that it “was an opportunity to express the Scottish Government's clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza”.
The First Minister was also heckled by a pro-Palestine protester over the meeting whilst appearing at an Edinburgh Book Festival event, which then had to be cut short.
Swinney continued to defend the meeting on Wednesday, saying: “I think it's important that we take the opportunity to say to the Israeli Government that we in the Scottish Government do not in any way, shape or form support, and we deeply oppose, what the Israeli government is doing in Gaza.
“It is important the Israeli government hears that message directly from us.
“It is also important that we have democratic debate about these issues within our society, and that people are able to air their views.
“But what we have set out as a consequence of the discussions that we have had is that having made our point to the Israeli government, until there is an improvement in their interactions in Gaza, until there is a ceasefire and meaningful progress and peace, there will be no further dialogue with the Israeli government.”
The SNP conference is set to take place in Edinburgh from August 30 to September 1.
The final agenda for the conference has been published, with Swinney set to open by leading a reflection on the party’s General Election results.
