Written Question · S4W-19406 · Session 4
What its position is on reports that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Devolution Unit is contacting governments overseas seeking their…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on reports that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Devolution Unit is contacting governments overseas seeking their support against Scottish independence.
The answer
The Scottish Government will continue to work within the formal structures agreed with the UK Government. The UK Government and all devolved governments work to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Supplementary Agreements on Devolution.
Section D1.3 of the Concordat on International Relations, one of four supplementary agreements to the MoU on Devolution states that the “…Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) promotes the international interests of the United Kingdom and all its constituent parts. United Kingdom Embassies, High Commissions and other Missions overseas serve the United Kingdom and all its constituent parts.”
In the context of the independence debate, the Edinburgh Agreement, signed on 15 October 2012 by the First Minister and the Prime Minister, commits both, the Scottish and UK Governments, “…through the Memorandum of Understanding between them and others, to working together on matters of mutual interest and to the principles of good communication and mutual respect.”
The Scottish Government expects the UK Government to adhere to both the spirit and letter of the Edinburgh Agreement
Section D1.3 of the Concordat on International Relations, one of four supplementary agreements to the MoU on Devolution states that the “…Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) promotes the international interests of the United Kingdom and all its constituent parts. United Kingdom Embassies, High Commissions and other Missions overseas serve the United Kingdom and all its constituent parts.”
In the context of the independence debate, the Edinburgh Agreement, signed on 15 October 2012 by the First Minister and the Prime Minister, commits both, the Scottish and UK Governments, “…through the Memorandum of Understanding between them and others, to working together on matters of mutual interest and to the principles of good communication and mutual respect.”
The Scottish Government expects the UK Government to adhere to both the spirit and letter of the Edinburgh Agreement
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-19406 by reference.