Correspondence with Israeli embassy, Government and ambassadors: FOI release

Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.


Information requested

1. Could you supply all correspondence, including internal, between the Scottish Government and the Israeli embassy/Israeli Government/Israeli ambassadors, and minutes/notes from meetings, from between August 1 2024 and October 1 2024?

2. Could you supply all internal correspondence about redacting FOI requests about the meeting between Angus Robertson and Daniela Grudsky?

Response

For your first request, I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested in Annex A.

An exemption under section 32(1)(a)(i) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to any information that may cause substantial prejudice to international relations between the UK and any other state.

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 because of the interest in open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in the Scottish and UK Governments being able to maintain good and honest relations with states they choose to engage with.

An exemption(s) under section(s) 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to personal data belonging to a third party. This includes names of civil servants as well as correspondence from third parties.

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.

Most of the information you have requested is available from the Scottish Government's website: Angus Robertson's meeting with the Israeli ambassador: FOI release - gov.scot. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

For your second request, I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested in Annex B.

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 exemptions under sections 30(b)(i), 30(b)(ii) & 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained below.

An exemption under section 30(b)(i) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to email conversations where members of the Scottish Government provide free and frank advice.

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 because of the interest in open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in government officials having the space to provide impartial advice.

An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to email conversations where free and frank views are exchanged for the purpose of deliberation.

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 because of the interest in open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in protecting free and frank exchange of views that enables officials to conduct business and come to decisions, releasing the exchange of views would disrupt this process.

An exemption(s) under section(s) 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies to personal data belonging to a third party. This includes names of civil servants as well as correspondence from third parties.

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.

About FOI

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

FOI 202400439668 - Information released - ANNEX B

Contact

Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000

The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

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