Miliband rejects calls to restrict Swinney’s overseas visits
Ed Miliband has declined calls to restrict John Swinney’s overseas visits, saying the Scottish First Minister “can have his visits”. The response has drawn criticism from Conservative MP John Cooper, who argues that the trips risk undermining devolution and using public money for matters reserved to the UK Government.
Cooper questioned Foreign Office support for Swinney’s Dublin visit, where he met Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and discussed issues including the break-up of Britain. Swinney also travelled to India on a trade mission, shortly after a UK Government trip promoting Scottish exports such as salmon and whisky; critics called his visit a “photo op”. The article also notes that Swinney faced criticism in June for nearly £45,000 in taxpayer-funded business-class flights for himself and two aides to attend Scotland’s opening World Cup match in the United States.
In short
- Miliband says Swinney can continue making overseas visits.
- Cooper challenges Foreign Office support for the trips.
- Swinney’s US flights previously cost taxpayers nearly £45,000.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Allowing the First Minister to travel overseas can help Scotland build trade, diplomatic and cultural ties, while giving its elected government room to represent Scottish interests internationally. Foreign Office support may help coordinate visits with UK policy, and scrutiny of the costs can be handled separately from whether visits should be permitted.
The case against
Restricting or more tightly coordinating overseas visits could protect a coherent UK foreign policy and prevent public funds or official support being used to pursue matters reserved to Westminster. Where Scottish and UK ministers make overlapping trade trips, or visits appear primarily political, clearer limits and accountability could reduce duplication and reassure taxpayers.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Tories hit out at Ed Miliband as he refuses to take action on John Swinney’s overseas trips”.