Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 28
UK Government's international strategy for Scotland lacks clear actions and measurable objectives.
Recommendation
We heard that UK Government activity in relation to promoting Scotland internationally, for example through ministerial visits, could sometimes be perceived as lacking a bigger strategic picture. The Secretary of State for Scotland described the UK Government’s strategy for Scotland on the international stage as “one of bringing high-tech businesses to Scotland, which will bring high-earning, high-quality jobs”. Whilst this objective is itself commendable, it ought to be one of several, and further detail is required about the actions that the UK Government will take to achieve these goals, so that the success of its work can be measured.
Government Response Summary
The government stated that promoting Scotland is a cross-government endeavor, with strategic direction arising from departmental priorities and collaboration. They described existing processes like stakeholder engagement, horizon scanning, and the Delivering for Scotland Board, but did not provide the specific 'further detail' or measurable actions requested for a comprehensive strategic picture.
Paragraph Reference:
28
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Scotland Office and FCDO will continue to provide leadership on the promotion of Scotland internationally, but this remains a cross-government endeavour. The strategic direction of this work will result from the priorities identified by various UK Government departments and through collaboration with Scottish Government and their agencies, in particular SDl. In order to inform the joint Government response to this inquiry, a survey was conducted of UK missions to seek examples of the types of promotional activity that take place to promote Scotland overseas. Some of the examples of this work were included in our response. Horizon scanning to identify relevant upcoming opportunities or events that could be used as additional opportunities to contribute to the UK Government’s priorities for promoting Scotland internationally is a continual process carried out by UK Government departments and our diplomatic missions overseas. The Scotland Office, FCDO and DBT engage with a wide range of Scottish business and cultural stakeholders on a frequent basis to ensure that appropriate support is provided and priorities identified. For example, the Scotland Office worked with the Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Seafood Association to ensure that market access issues were raised during the Secretary of State’s recent visit to Vietnam. The Scotland Office also coordinates regular Ministerial-level briefings for the Edinburgh Consular Corps, a key group of stakeholders, and utilises this engagement to identify with international partners what opportunities may be available for the promotion of Scotland within their countries. The Delivering for Scotland Board, chaired by the Secretary of State, includes senior representatives from UK Government departments including the FCDO and DBT. It seeks to help in the coordination of UK Government work in support of Scotland and includes the promotion of Scotland internationally.