The SNP is today demanding full disclosure on anti-independence briefings the Scotland Office has admitted to holding with embassies all over the world.
At this morning’s Europe and External Relations Committee, an official working for Scotland Secretary Alistair Carmichael admitted: “I’ve briefed officials from dozens of embassies” on Westminster’s position on independence.
The official went on to list the countries involved, stating: “I’ve had that conversation with Russian officials, American, Canadian, Belgian, Philippines, Kurdistan, Italians. I mean it goes on…”
When asked to expand on what was discussed at the briefings, the official was prevented from doing so by Alistair Carmichael, who later stated: “This is one of my officials. He is answerable to me.”
The admission comes following revelations at the weekend that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK Government met and briefed foreign diplomats - including high ranking officials of Vladimir Putin’s government – against Scottish independence.
Commenting following the revelations, SNP MSP and Convener of the Europe Committee Christina McKelvie said:
“Today’s revelations that the Scotland Office – a UK Government department that is meant to represent Scotland’s interests – is briefing against Scotland is of great concern. The people of Scotland deserve to know what Westminster is saying behind our backs.
“The Scotland Office and the Foreign Office must now come clean and publish the detail of all of their briefings.
“Prime Minister David Cameron continually refuses to debate the First Minister in front of the people of Scotland, but he is content for his government to go around the world talking down Scotland’s future behind closed doors. This speaks volumes about the Westminster approach to the referendum.
“This is the kind of behaviour that shows exactly why the people of Scotland can, should and must vote to become an independent country, and represent ourselves on the world stage. With polls showing support for Yes at a record high, people are coming to the conclusion that Scotland’s future lies with Yes.”