Tories are holding us back

UK diplomats sitting in on Scots meetings 'harms climate efforts'

- BY DAN VEVERS

MEDDLING Tory ministers are holding Scotland back from playing a full part in global climate efforts, the SNP's Net Zero Secretary has claimed.

Mairi McAllan hit out at what called she unacceptable" moves by the UK Government to curb Scottish ministers' outreach with overseas governments.

It follows a memo by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to British diplomats demanding UK officials sit in on meetings between SNP ministers and foreign states.

Tory insiders claim the new guidelines are to prevent the Holyrood Government from undermining UK foreign policy.