Cameron scolds Scotland over independent meeting with Türkiye’s Erdoğan

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has admonished Scotland for an independent meeting between First Minister Humza Yousaf and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the BBC reported.

Cameron cautioned the Scottish government that the Foreign Office might withdraw support for external engagements. Expressing discontent, he highlighted that Yousaf met Erdoğan without the presence of a Foreign Office representative, stating his position on the Gaza conflict.

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As per the laws governing the autonomy of the UK's constituent parts, they can only engage in foreign relations within their competence. Additionally, protocol mandates the presence of British Foreign Office representatives in meetings with foreign leaders.

A letter obtained by the BBC reveals Cameron's reproach to Scottish Foreign Minister Angus Robertson, claiming that the Scottish delegation did not inform diplomats in advance of Yousaf's meeting with Erdoğan "on the sidelines" of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, preventing a Foreign Office representative from attending.

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Cameron insisted that the absence of a Foreign Office representative contradicts established protocol. The letter warned, "Any further breaches of the protocol of ministerial meetings have a FCDO official present will result in no further FCDO facilitation of meetings or logistical support."

In response, Yousaf's spokesperson clarified that diplomats were informed and invited. However, the spontaneous nature of "sideline" meetings often leads to last-minute changes, making it inconvenient for a Foreign Office representative to attend at the Turkish president's preferred time.

A source in the Scottish government dismissed the severity attached to the matter by Cameron, stating, "You can hardly say to a president, 'Can you wait a second while we find our chaperone?'"

However, the BBC suggests that the issue extends beyond protocol, with the Foreign Office expressing concern over Yousaf's statements.

Following the meeting with Erdoğan, Yousaf tweeted about discussions on climate and the Gaza conflict, urging an immediate ceasefire—a stance diverging from London's official position. The UK abstained from the latest UN Security Council vote on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.

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