UK government threatens Scottish government over Gaza comments with Erdogan

Foreign Secretary David Cameron is threatening to close the Scottish government’s overseas offices over a breach of international protocol.

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf met President Erdogan of Turkey at the COP 28 summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without UK officials being present.

Following his meeting with the Turkish president, Yousaf posted a picture of himself shaking hands with Erdogan calling for “an immediate & permanent ceasefire now”. The UK government does not support a ceasefire.

Cameron said that foreign affairs are a policy area reserved to UK ministers and it was crucial “that we speak with one voice to the international community”.

Cameron warned that “further breaches” would result in the UK government would also withdraw support for Scottish ministers in arranging future meetings with overseas governments.