Angus Robertson trips: FOI release

Information requested

1. So far this year and up to the date of this FOI, could you supply me with how many working days Angus Robertson has spent in Scotland and how many days he has spent outwith Scotland on government business?
2. Angus Robertson attended a reception at Brussels House in May/June to mark the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships coming to Scotland. Could you supply the full cost of how much this event cost, and a breakdown of these costs? Could you also confirm when it took place, and a list of attendees?
3. Full minutes from meetings held during Angus Robertson's most recent trips to Austria and Belgium.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section sections 38(1)(b) Personal information, 32(1)(a) International Relations, 30(b)(ii) free and frank exchange of views of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why those exemptions apply are explained below in this letter.

Exemptions under 38(1)(b) of FOISA apply to some of the information you have requested where personal details of officials, legal representatives and medical information were discussed. This exemption is not subject to the ‘public interest test’, so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

Some of the information you requested has been withheld under section 30 (b)(ii) free and frank exchange, 32(1)(a)(i) Relations between UK and any other state, 32(1)(a)(ii) relations between UK and any other international organisation or court and 32(1)(a)(iv) Promotion and proteScott wightmanction of UK interests abroad as this information was provided to us in confidence by another state or international organisation and releasing it could have a substantial impact on UK and Scotland's relations with our European partners and UK interests abroad. This exemption is subject to the public interest test. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release in the interests of open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining a private space for discussion between governments.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

202300361275_final_for_release

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17 page PDF

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