Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has hit back at the UK Foreign Secretary's threat to revoke British government support for the country's overseas activities, saying this could affect Scotland's economy adversely.
Humza Yousaf met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai in December without a UK government official present.
In response, Mr Cameron said in a letter on Sunday there would be “no further FCDO [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] facilitation of meetings or logistical support” for the Scottish Government if there are any “further breaches” of protocol.
Mr Yousaf said he was shocked.
"First of all, let's be clear – the approach from Lord Cameron is really petty and frankly misguided," he said on Monday.
"Scotland is the part of the UK, outside of London, that has attracted the most foreign direct investment for eight years in a row. That happens because the Scottish Government's international engagement is valued [and] has impact.
"To threaten to curtail that, to stop that international engagement – the international engagement from the elected Scottish Government from an unelected lord – I think is misguided and petty."
The First Minister said the meeting in question had been rescheduled at the last minute by Mr Erdogan's team but added he would have had "no problem" with a UK government official – or even Mr Cameron himself – attending.
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Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, where he said he will resign as Scottish National Party chief and the country's leader. PA -
Mr Yousaf speaks to the media during a visit to Dundee in April. His appearance came as Scottish opposition parties called for a confidence vote after the collapse of his power-sharing deal with the Green Party. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf holds a press conference in Edinburgh as he announces the SNP's withdrawal from the Bute House Agreement. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf joins members of the public as they attend a march in Glasgow calling for an independent Scotland, in April. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf takes part in a dance performance during a visit to DN Studios in Edinburgh in March. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf and his new cabinet pose at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, in February. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf speaks during the launch of the SNP general election campaign at Oran Mor in Glasgow, in January. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf during Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day at the Scottish Parliament in December. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf engages with pupils during Scotland's Book Week at Craigentinny Primary School in Edinburgh, in November. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf lays a wreath during Scotland's Remembrance Sunday Event at Edinburgh City Chambers, in November. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf with his wife Nadia El-Nakla after his speech at the SNP conference in October. PA -
Mr Yousaf speaking at a service of solidarity at Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue in October. PA -
Mr Yousaf with hundreds of supporters of Scottish independence during a march in Edinburgh in September. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf outside the Court of Session in Edinburgh, after being sworn in as First Minister of Scotland in March 2023. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf signs the nomination form to become First Minister of Scotland, watched by his wife Nadia El Nakla, daughter Amal and step-daughter Maya, in March 2023. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf speaks after being elected as new Scottish National Party leader in Edinburgh, in March 2023. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf with his mother Shaaista and father Muzaffar in Glasgow as he campaigns to become the next leader of the Scottish National Party, in February 2023. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf visits Monklands Hospital in Airdrie in 2021, when he was health secretary. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf, justice minister at the time, attends a Ministerial Statement in Edinburgh in 2020. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf with Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the ruling SNP at the time, at the count for the Scottish Parliament elections in 2016 in Glasgow. Getty Images -
Angela Constance and Mr Yousaf after being sworn in as Scottish MPs in Edinburgh in 2016. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf speaks during the SNP conference in Aberdeen in 2015. Getty Images -
Alex Salmond, SNP leader at the time, with Mr Yousaf at the Scottish Parliament in 2011. Getty Images
"It was rearranged at short notice by the president of Turkey's team, the [FCDO] official chose not to stay with the Scottish delegation the whole day and because of that they ended up missing the meeting.
"Nothing was discussed that hadn't been discussed at other meetings, such as the climate crisis, and in this particular meeting the issue of the Israel-Gaza conflict."
The First Minister said an FCDO official had been at the "vast majority" of meetings he had during the climate summit.
Revoking support from the Scottish Government abroad would negatively affect the country's economy, Mr Yousaf said.
"Most importantly, it will affect Scottish business, affect the Scottish economy," he said.
"Our exports are worth over £6 billion [$47.55 billion] in whisky alone over the last year, showing how important exports, how important international engagement, is to Scotland's economy," he said.
"For Lord Cameron to say he's basically going to stop Scotland's international engagement because of one meeting, where one FCDO official wasn't able to attend – because, of course, at events like Cop, diaries can change quite last minute – is really petty, really misguided."
"I suggest to Lord Cameron that next time, if he has an issue like that, he should just pick up the phone. I'm sure it can be resolved."
“It is wholly unacceptable for the Scottish Government to promote foreign policies which are at odds with those of the United Kingdom government.” Alister Jack, Scottish secretary said.
