Scottish government suspends meetings with Israel

Published

12 months ago

August 19, 2024

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The Scottish government has announced it will no longer hold meetings with Israeli ambassadors until “real progress has been made towards peace” in the Gaza conflict.

The move comes after the SNP administration faced criticism over a meeting earlier this month between External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson and Daniela Grudsky, Israel’s deputy ambassador to the UK.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Robertson apologised that the meeting was not “strictly limited” to talks about a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

He claimed the meeting with the new ambassador was made at Israel’s request, which gave the Scottish government an opportunity to express its “clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza”.

“And I did exactly that,” Mr Robertson added.

“No one intended that this meeting be presented as legitimatising the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza.”

Mr Robinson said the Scottish government had been “consistent in our unequivocal condemnation of the atrocities we have witnessed in Gaza”.

“The reality, however, is that this meeting has been taken by many to represent a normalisation of relations between the Israeli and Scottish governments,” he added.

The Edinburgh Central MSP said the meeting should have been “strictly limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of life in the region”, and he apologised that did not happen.

The minister said that having told the Israeli government “of our position on an immediate ceasefire, it would not be appropriate to accept any invitation for a further meeting”.

He added: “This will remain our position until such time as real progress has been made towards peace, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance is provided and Israel cooperates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes.

“The Scottish government will never hold back in expressing support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, an end to UK arms being sent to Israel, and the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state within a two-state solution.”

The meeting with Ms Grudsky, which was held two weeks ago, only came to light after she posted a picture on X alongside Mr Robertson.

In response to criticism, First Minister John Swinney claimed it was “necessary” and allowed his government to directly put across the need for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves dodges wealth tax calls from predecessor

Published

11 hours ago

August 1, 2025

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves dodges wealth tax calls from predecessor

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has dodged calls from her predecessor Anneliese Dodds for a wealth tax to be considered ahead of this autumn’s budget.

When Sir Keir Starmer became Labour leader in 2020, Ms Dodds was his first pick for shadow chancellor. However, she did not last long and was replaced by Ms Reeves, who then got the government job after last year’s election win.

Speaking to the Sky News political editor Beth Rigby on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Ms Dodds said she had examined wealth taxes when she was briefly in the shadow chancellor job and how one could be implemented.

She said: “I would hope the Treasury is considering that kind of evidence, as well as other changes that have been put forward.”

Asked today if about Ms Dodds’ intervention, Ms Reeves said: “Decisions around tax are decisions that are made at a budget and we’ll make those decisions in the appropriate way, but the number-one priority of this government is to grow the economy.

“And that means bringing more investment into Britain, creating more good jobs paying decent wages here in Britain.

Listen here to hear Ms Dodds’ full comments:

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“We’ve got to get the balance right on taxation because we want that investment, we want those jobs to come here.

“That’s why we’re reforming the planning system, secured three trade deals in the first year of this Labour government, cutting back on unnecessary regulation, and reforming our pension system to unlock money for businesses to be able to invest here in the UK.”

The government’s financial position is stretched ahead of the next budget, due at the end of autumn.

Ms Reeves has committed herself to not changing her fiscal rules, leaving little wiggle room to avoid tax rises or spending cuts.

This is due to the government’s inability to save money through policies like welfare reform, which were gutted due to a rebellion of backbench Labour MPs.

Last week, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds branded the suggestion of a wealth tax “daft” – but he has less influence over the writing of the budget than the chancellor.

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Meanwhile, reports from the Daily Telegraph suggested that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner backed increasing taxes, including reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance and a higher corporation tax level for banks.

Ms Dodds also wants to see those considered.