Minutes of the meeting between Humza Yousaf and New Zealand Ambassador: FOI release

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


Information requested

  • The minutes of the meeting between Humza Yousaf and New Zealand Ambassador, Carl Reaich, on 28 June 2023.
  • Any briefing material that Humza Yousaf received leading up to this meeting.
  • Was the topic of Scottish independence brought up or discussed in this meeting. If so, what exactly was said.
  • Was the topic of Scotland rejoining the European Union brought up or discussed in this meeting. If so, what exactly was said.

Response

Briefing material and a note from the meeting are attached at Annex A and B. As per the note at Annex A, Scottish Independence and Scotland joining the EU were not discussed.

Whilst we have tried to provide as much information as possible in relation to your request, some of the information you have requested is subject to exemptions under Section 32 of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act (FOISA). Under section 32(1)(a) of FOISA, information is exempt from disclosure if disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice substantially:

  • relations between the UK and any other State;
  • relations between the UK and any international organisation or international court;
  • the interests of the UK abroad; or
  • the promotion or protection by the UK of its interests abroad.

In this case, wording has been redacted covering New Zealand’s activities and strategy in the areas of energy and international diplomacy. It is not for the Scottish Government to publish this information.

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.

FOI - 202300363989 - Annex A-B

Contact

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

The Scottish Government
St Andrews House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

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