Correspondence regarding meeting between Deputy First Minister and the INEOS UK O&P CEO: FOI release

Information requested

Regarding the meeting between the Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, and the INEOS UK O&P CEO, Stuart Collings, on 22nd August 2025, I request:

1. A copy of the briefing pack prepared for the Deputy First Minister in advance of this meeting.

2. A copy of the minutes from this meeting.

3. Any communication (including emails, WhatsApps, etc.) involving Scottish Government ministers regarding discussions, conclusions or action points resulting from this meeting.

Response

I have attached documents which fall within the scope of your request.

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 exemptions under section 38(1)(b), section 33(1) (b) and section 30(b) of FOISA apply to some of the information enclosed in the information I am releasing as part of this request.

The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained below.

Exemptions Applied

Section 38(1)(b) - Personal data relating to third party

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) applies to part of the information requested as it is personal data of a third party, i.e., names and contact details of individuals. The Scottish Government does not disclose the names of individuals who are below Senior Civil Service level or equivalent in the instance of private sector individuals. The application of section 38(1)(b) is not subject to the  'public interest test' and has been applied where necessary throughout the response.

Section 33(1)(b) - Commercial interests

An exemption under section 33(1)(b) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, substantially prejudice the confidentiality of commercial or industrial information. This exemption is subject to the public interest test. This means we have considered if the public interest in disclosing information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We recognise there may be public interest in information regarding meeting minutes between Scottish Ministers and representatives of INEOS Olefins & Polymers. However, this is outweighed by the need to withhold commercially sensitive information that was shared with the Scottish Government in confidence.

Section 30(b) - Free and frank provision of advice

An exemption under section 30(b) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice. This exemption is subject to the public interest test. This means we have considered if the public interest in disclosing 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.

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 202500485198 - Information Released - Annex

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