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- SNP leader froze relations with Israel whilst continuing to meet pro-Palestinian organisations
- But Foreign Office officials warn that UK must act in union when dealing with foreign allies
- Meeting between SNP minister Angus Robertson and Israeli deputy ambassador Daniela Grudsky sparked furious infighting within the SNP
- Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport
By Tom Gordon Deputy Scottish Political Editor
Published: | Updated:
Foreign Office officials have fired a warning shot across the bows of SNP ministers after they blundered into a diplomatic shambles.
First Minister John Swinney was cautioned that the UK must speak ‘with one voice’ after he froze relations with Israel while continuing to meet Palestinian organisations.
The Scottish Government has been accused of ignoring one side in the Israel-Palestine conflict despite advocating a two-state solution.
The UK Labour Government continues to talk to both parties.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said it wanted a ‘more collaborative relationship’ with SNP ministers, but also fired a shot across their bows.
John Swinney has been warned that the UK must ‘speak with a single voice’ after he froze relations between the Scottish Government and Israel
A spokesperson added: ‘However, it is important that the UK speaks with a single voice to international partners.
‘A resolution to this conflict has been a priority since day one for this government. We continue to push for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages still cruelly detained by Hamas terrorists, and much more aid entering Gaza.’
The row erupted last week after it emerged SNP external affairs secretary Angus Robertson met Israeli deputy ambassador Daniela Grudsky in Edinburgh on August 8.
It infuriated many SNP MPs, MSPs and members given the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza triggered by the October 7 attacks.
Facing calls from colleagues to resign, Mr Robertson apologised on Monday for discussing collaboration between Scotland and Israel on cultural links and renewable energy.
He said he should have limited himself to demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, and did not mean to give the impression of ‘normalising’ relations with Israel.
He also suspended all meetings with the Jewish state.
The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities warned SNP ministers not to shut out Israel, saying supporting a two-state solution meant engaging with ‘both parties’.
But on Wednesday Mr Swinney held a virtual meeting with Dr Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, and discussed the situation in Gaza.
Scot Colin Cowan, whose brother was killed by Hamas gunmen in his home on a kibbutz in Southern Israel on October 7, accused the SNP of double standards.
Angus Robertson’s meeting with Israeli deputy ambassador Daniela Grudsky triggered an angry response from pro-Palestine figures within the SNP
He told BBC Radio Scotland: ‘Israel is the only Jewish state in the world. The definition of antisemitism is prejudice against Jewish people.
‘So if the Scottish government aren’t willing to talk to Israel, is that not being prejudiced against Jewish people?
‘Why is it that Israel is being targeted when every other Western country is quite happy to talk to Israel? If you want a balanced, impartial view, you should meet with both sides.’
The SNP said it was ‘entirely against’ anti-Semitism.
A spokesperson said: ‘Following last year’s horrific attacks by Hamas, SNP policy has been consistent and clear that hostages must be released, an immediate ceasefire must be put in place and that a viable Palestine state must be recognised within a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live alongside each other in peace.’
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