Scotland has an excellent advocate overseas: it’s me – Cleverly

The SNP’s Drew Hendry suggested James Cleverly’s new guidance to heads of mission abroad is sabotaging ‘vital economic activity’ north of the border.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly (Hannah McKay/PA) (PA Wire)

The Foreign Secretary has said he is Scotland’s “excellent advocate overseas” after he was accused of “sabotaging” the Scottish economy with his “draconian” rules on foreign trips.

James Cleverly was challenged in the Commons by SNP foreign affairs spokesman Drew Hendry, who suggested his new guidance to heads of mission abroad is sabotaging “vital economic activity” north of the border.

Mr Hendry’s comments come after the Foreign Secretary asked diplomats to take a “strengthened approach” to Scottish ministerial visits – ensuring officials from the UK Government are present during meetings with host governments.