Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what are the (a) legal and (b) constitutional remedies available if a Scottish Government international hub was found to be undertaking functions reserved to the UK Government under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998.

Under the Scotland Act 1998, international relations remain a matter reserved to the UK Government. The Scottish Government is entitled to promote its trade and economic interests abroad and the UK Government believes this is most effectively achieved by working through the UK’s extensive diplomatic footprint to ensure we are speaking with one voice on the international stage.

The Scottish Government international hubs are hosted by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions across the world, and benefit from UK Government accreditation and FCDO Services. All UK officials on platform must act in accordance with the Scotland Act and are accountable to the Head of Mission.

The Scotland Office and FCDO closely monitor this issue and remain committed to upholding the areas of reserved competence, while working with the Scottish Government to deliver on the priorities of the people of Scotland.