THE Scottish Government has published a report “showcasing” the work of its international offices as the Foreign Secretary threatens to shut them.

In a letter to External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson, David Cameron said the UK Government would withdraw co-operation from Scottish ministers after Humza Yousaf met Turkey’s president at COP28.

Cameron, who was made a life-peer to be able to take on the Foreign Secretary role under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said UK officials were not given “sufficient advance notice” of Yousaf’s meeting with President Erdogan to attend.

READ MORE: David Cameron's full letter threatening to shut Scottish embassies

In response, the Tory Cabinet Secretary threatened to shut several Scottish Government offices abroad that are located in UK Government embassies and posts, stating that officials would “consider their presence”.

First Minister Humza Yousaf has described the move as "petty".

Just hours after the row erupted and the letter to Robertson emerged, the Scottish Government published its annual report “showcasing the achievements” of the international network of offices.

In the foreword to the report, Robertson argues that the network delivers “tangible benefits to our people, businesses and institutions”.

The National:

He said: “From attracting overseas investment and growing exports to facilitating cultural exchanges, our active engagement on the global stage supports the delivery of Scotland’s domestic policy objectives and the First Minister’s three missions of equality, opportunity and community.”

“Scotland has maintained an international presence for decades, in order to secure insight, understanding, access and influence in key markets,” Robertson added.

The report sets out that there are seven Scottish Government international offices based in British Embassies or High Commissions, where the Government pays an “annual platform charge” to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for “access to facilities and local support”.

They are located in Ottawa in Canada, Washington DC in the USA, Beijing in China, Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, Paris in France, Berlin in Germany, and Copenhagen in Denmark.

​READ MORE: Prince William 'paid more than £127,000 an hour by taxpayers'

There are also more than 30 Scottish Development International (SDI) offices across the world in locations across the United States, Europe, South Africa, Asia and Australia.

The SDI network has supported over 360 companies looking to grow exports in the United States, and forecasts £1.7 billion in trade figures for 2022-23.

The report also sets out the work of the international network to engage with the Scottish diaspora and international communities.

The Scottish Government has "long believed that better engaging our diaspora can not only benefit Scotland economically and enrich our culture but also improve our connections and reputation with people linked to Scotland around the globe,” the report adds.

The National:

The Foreign Secretary has faced mounting criticism for his intervention and threatened to withdraw support for Scottish ministers.

He wrote that “any further breaches” of FCDO officials not being present at meetings with international figures would result in “no further FCDO facilitation of meetings or logistical support”.

“We will also need to consider the presence of Scottish Government offices in UK Government posts”.

Cameron is following in the footsteps of his predecessor James Cleverly, now Home Secretary, who repeatedly threatened to withdraw FCDO assistance from Scottish ministers.

It was suggested that UK diplomats were briefed to ensure that UK officials were involved in any meetings with SNP ministers and foreign governments in a bid to crack down on any talk of Scottish independence.