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Written question asked by Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru) on Tuesday, 10 May 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 May 2022. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 23 May 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Embassies: Diplomatic Service

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to appoint a nominated person or persons to have responsibility for communicating with the Governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in every UK overseas embassy, if those governments so wish.

Answer

While international relations are a matter reserved to the UK Government (UKG) and Westminster Parliament, the UKG recognises the legitimate interest the devolved Governments have on international activity, especially where this has impact on matters of devolved competence, or in their responsibility to implement aspects of international agreements.

Each of the devolved governments has a presence at various locations overseas and often their staff are co-located within UK embassies. FCDO staff in our overseas network already work closely together with officials from each of the devolved governments. The FCDO also has regular engagement with officials from the devolved governments in the UK, including through a recently instituted Director-level forum which held its first meeting in March 2022, with another anticipated in summer 2022. That forum is underpinned by frequent official level engagement across all levels. The FCDO is eager to maintain and develop this engagement further, and identify where closer collaboration and cooperation will continue to bring benefits to every part of the UK, drawing on our extensive diplomatic network overseas.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL119
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Devolution Diplomatic service Public appointments Embassies
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk