Swinney to raise Gaza crisis with Trump during landmark Scotland visit

Arab News

17 hours ago

LONDON: Scottish First Minister John Swinney has vowed to raise the 'unimaginable suffering' in Gaza when he meets Donald Trump during the US president's four-day visit to Scotland this weekend.
Describing the trip as 'a landmark moment' in US-Scottish relations, Swinney said the visit provides a key platform for Scotland to express its views on pressing global issues.
'As we welcome the president of the United States, Scotland will be showcased on the world stage,' Swinney said.
'This provides Scotland with a platform to make its voice heard on the issues that matter, including war and peace, justice and democracy.
'As first minister, it is my responsibility to advance our interests, raise global and humanitarian issues of significant importance, including the unimaginable suffering we are witnessing in Gaza, and ensure Scotland's voice is heard at the highest levels of government across the world.'
Trump said on Friday that he was 'looking forward' to meeting Swinney during the trip.
Swinney is facing increasing pressure from within the Scottish National Party to adopt a strong stance on the Gaza conflict. On Wednesday, his predecessor and former First Minister Humza Yousaf and his wife Nadia El-Nakla, who has family in Gaza, issued a direct plea via social media.
'Millions in Gaza are being deliberately starved while Israel withholds food mere kilometres away. Words are not enough,' they wrote. 'Force Israel to open the borders and allow aid to flow in.'
El-Nakla, who also convenes the SNP Friends of Palestine group, told The Times that the Trump meeting represented 'a critical opportunity to raise, directly and unequivocally, the ongoing genocide in Gaza.'
She said: 'Time is not on the side of the people there. As I speak, my family — like millions of others — is starving. The first minister must demand that Trump use his influence to compel Israel to end the starvation and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.'
While highlighting the humanitarian issues at stake, Swinney also noted the wider benefits of the visit in terms of showcasing Scotland's tourism and investment potential. He expressed confidence that planned protests would remain peaceful and respectful.
He said he believed demonstrators would 'do Scotland proud' and act 'peacefully and lawfully.' Rallies are being organized by the Stop Trump Coalition in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with others expected near Turnberry and Menie, where Trump owns resorts.
Trump is expected to stay at Turnberry over the weekend before meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer there on Monday. He will then travel to Aberdeenshire to mark the opening of a new golf course named after his mother. Although the visit is private, a joint press conference with Trump and Starmer is expected.
Police have warned that the scale of the operation could stretch resources, with the Scottish Police Federation stating it may double response times elsewhere.