THE Foreign Secretary has claimed he is an "excellent advocate" for Scotland abroad amid a bitter row between Edinburgh and London over Scottish ministers' overseas trips.
James Cleverly made the extraordinary claim when he was challenged in the Commons on Tuesday on the new rules he issued to UK diplomats to “hinder” the international work of the Scottish Government.
Drew Hendry, the SNP’s foreign affairs spokesperson, claimed projects like the recent announcement of a new factory in the Highlands to be built by Japanese firm Sumitomo Electric Industries would not go ahead under the strict new regime imposed by Westminster.
Cleverly replied to the question: "The competencies of the Scottish Government and the reserved position of the UK Government are clear. They are absolutely clear.
“And I would say to him and house that Scotland has an excellent advocate overseas: it’s me.”
It comes amid a fierce row sparked by the UK Government's crackdown on Scotland's international engagement – including British officials supervising Scottish ministers’ meetings and visits and blocking SNP politicians from speaking directly with their foreign counterparts.
Speaking afterwards, Hendry claimed the new regime would be “disastrous” for the Scottish economy and said the Sumitomo project was “concrete proof” it was better for Scotland to engage directly with other countries rather than having to go through the UK Government.
He said: “Tory guidance urging UK diplomats to curb the ability of Scottish Government ministers arranging meetings with their overseas counterparts will have a disastrous impact on Scotland’s ability to secure foreign investment if acted upon.
“Scottish Government ministers should be free to build links abroad and fly the flag for Scotland, after all, we know that with such visits come great opportunities to create new jobs and investment in Scotland.
“The announcement just last week from Sumitomo Electric Industries is concrete proof of that – why then is the UK Government so intent on sabotaging investment in Scotland?
“It’s clear the petty politics of the Tories comes before securing economic success and links with the rest of the world – concepts that must seem alien to a Tory government that is imposing an economically disastrous Brexit on Scotland, backed by Brexit-supporting Labour.
“The only party standing up for Scotland on the world stage and promoting an outward looking, progressive nation is the SNP, and it's clear we can only continue to do that with the full powers of independence.”
In response to a similar question from SNP MP Deidre Brock, in which she hit out at the “draconian” measures, Cleverly said: “I can assure her that every one of the staff in the FCDO [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] promotes Scottish interests overseas.”
He added: “When it comes to promoting Scotland’s interests overseas that we continue to do so.”
