The decision by the UK government to close the Scottish Foreign Office base in East Kilbride has been met with anger and disbelief by the Scottish government and opposition parties. The move, which will affect around 1,000 staff, was announced by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Thursday, without any consultation with the Scottish government or the local council.
A betrayal of Scotland’s role in the world
The Scottish Foreign Office base, which was established in 1999, handles a range of functions, including international development, consular services, and diplomatic relations. It is also home to the UK’s International Climate Finance team, which supports developing countries to tackle climate change.
The closure of the base is seen by many as a betrayal of Scotland’s role in the world, and a sign of the UK government’s disregard for the devolved nations. The Scottish government has accused the UK government of undermining Scotland’s international reputation and influence, and of reneging on the promises made during the 2014 independence referendum.
The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said that the closure was “shameful” and “disgraceful”, and that it showed the UK government’s contempt for Scotland. She also said that the decision was “incompatible” with the UK’s commitment to the COP26 climate summit, which will be held in Glasgow later this year.
A mockery of the union of equals
The opposition parties in Holyrood have also condemned the closure of the Scottish Foreign Office base, and have called for it to be reversed. The Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, said that the move was “a slap in the face” for the staff and the local community, and that it made “a mockery of the union of equals”. He also said that the UK government should be investing in Scotland’s public services, not cutting them.
The Scottish Greens co-leader, Patrick Harvie, said that the closure was “a disgraceful act of vandalism” and that it showed the UK government’s “utter disregard” for Scotland’s interests and values. He also said that the UK government was “isolating” itself from the rest of the world, and that Scotland deserved better.
The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Willie Rennie, said that the closure was “a huge mistake” and that it showed the UK government’s “lack of respect” for Scotland. He also said that the UK government was “weakening” the UK’s global role, and that Scotland needed a strong voice in the world.
A laughing matter for the Tories
The only party that seemed to support the closure of the Scottish Foreign Office base was the Scottish Conservatives, who defended the UK government’s decision. The Scottish Tory leader, Douglas Ross, said that the move was “a sensible and pragmatic” one, and that it would “enhance” the UK’s diplomatic presence abroad. He also said that the UK government was “committed” to supporting the staff and the local economy, and that the closure was not a political issue.
However, the Scottish Tories’ stance was met with ridicule and scorn by the other parties, who accused them of being “out of touch” and “out of order”. The most shocking moment came when the Tory MSP Murdo Fraser was caught on camera laughing during a debate on the closure in Holyrood. His behaviour was branded as “disgusting” and “disrespectful” by the other MSPs, who demanded an apology from him and his party.
A fight for Scotland’s future
The closure of the Scottish Foreign Office base has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over Scotland’s constitutional future. The Scottish government and the pro-independence parties have argued that the move is another example of the UK government’s disregard for Scotland’s interests and aspirations, and that it strengthens the case for independence. They have also vowed to fight the closure and to protect the staff and the local community.
The UK government and the pro-union parties have argued that the move is a rational and efficient one, and that it does not affect Scotland’s role in the world. They have also claimed that the move is not related to the constitutional question, and that it does not undermine the benefits of the union. They have also promised to support the staff and the local community, and to ensure a smooth transition.
The closure of the Scottish Foreign Office base is likely to remain a contentious and controversial issue in the run-up to the Scottish Parliament elections in May, and beyond. It is also likely to have implications for the UK’s international reputation and influence, especially in the context of the COP26 climate summit and the post-Brexit trade deals.
