Scotland's Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, has been accused of 'grandstanding' after it emerged he held private talks with a high-ranking European Union official. The undisclosed meeting has raised eyebrows among political opponents, who claim it undermines UK-wide diplomatic efforts.
Secret Talks Spark Controversy
The discussions, which took place without prior announcement, have led to accusations that Swinney is attempting to bypass Westminster and establish separate channels with Brussels. Critics argue this move could complicate post-Brexit negotiations and weaken the UK's unified position.
Opposition Reaction
Conservative MSPs have condemned the meeting as 'political theatre', suggesting Swinney is more interested in scoring points than engaging in constructive dialogue. 'This is classic SNP grandstanding,' said one senior Tory source. 'At a time when we need unity, these secret talks only serve to create division.'
Defending the Move
Supporters of the Deputy First Minister argue that as Scotland's Constitution Secretary, he has every right to engage directly with European partners. They maintain the discussions focused on protecting Scotland's interests amid ongoing Brexit-related challenges.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for UK-EU relations, with negotiations continuing over various aspects of the post-Brexit relationship. Political analysts suggest such unilateral moves by devolved administrations could set a concerning precedent for future diplomacy.
