First Minister Humza Yousaf has written to the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly supporting the establishment of a humanitarian corridor in Gaza to allow civilian evacuation:
To: Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly From: First Minister Humza Yousaf
I am writing concerning the horrific terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas over the weekend, and the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza.
The Scottish Government and I unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist actions of Hamas. Israel – like any other country – has a right to protect itself and its citizens from terror.
Too many innocent people have already lost their lives as a consequence of these completely unjustifiable and illegitimate attacks by Hamas. However, innocent men, women and children cannot, and should not, pay the price for the actions of a terrorist group. Collective punishment of innocent civilians cannot be justified and will do nothing to set the conditions for peace in the region.
As the number of civilians displaced in Gaza increases and with supplies restricted, innocent people are being affected and conditions will worsen. The United Nations Secretary General has called for “relevant parties to allow United Nations access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians trapped and helpless in the Gaza Strip” and the international community to mobilise to provide support. I support this view.
As a close friend and ally of Israel, I therefore ask the UK Government to call on the Government of Israel to ensure innocent civilians are protected and to put in place an immediate ceasefire to allow the safe passage of civilians through the Rafah border.
Furthermore, it should open a humanitarian corridor into Gaza to allow supplies, including food, fuel, water and medical supplies, for those civilians who are trapped, helpless and cannot leave.
Finally, I call on the international community to be proactive and work towards an immediate ceasefire and a long-lasting peace that sees Israelis and Palestinians treated as equals.
I am grateful for the ongoing engagement of Lord Ahmad, who has briefed me on the situation concerning UK nationals in Israel and Gaza. The Scottish Government stands ready to assist any efforts to support those who find themselves caught up in this tragic situation.
Representatives from the United Kingdom, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Canada and Norway visited the Palestinian community of Burqa and the site of the recently displaced community of Ras at-Tin amid accelerating rates of settler violence and following the demolition by Israeli authorities of donor-funded humanitarian structures, including a school in the nearby community of Ein Samiya. Ireland and Denmark also support this statement.
In Burqa, diplomats learned how the community have endured harassment and intimidation from settlers. They also observed the aftermath of Ras at-Tin’s displacement due to settler attacks and how these attacks intensified after the establishment of an illegal outpost near the community.
The delegation was extremely alarmed by the growth of settler violence, which alongside demolitions has displaced over 400 Palestinians this year and resulted in several casualties across the West Bank, most recently the death of 19 year-old Qusai Maatan, who was killed in Burqa earlier this month.
The diplomats strongly condemned settler violence. While they noted some steps taken by the Israeli authorities, including arrests, they urged Israel, as the occupying power, to do more to hold to account and prevent those who have made the lives of Palestinians – such as in the communities of Al Qaboun and Al Mughayyir – intolerable.
They underlined the prohibition of forcible transfers in International Humanitarian Law, in particular article 49 of Geneva Convention IV. They reaffirmed their opposition to settlements, which are illegal under international law, result in increased settler violence, and undermine the two-state solution and prospects for a lasting peace.
Additionally, diplomats strongly condemned the recent demolition of Ein Samiya school, which was funded by donors as humanitarian relief, emphasizing Israel’s breach of international humanitarian law.
They called on Israel, as the occupying power, to halt all confiscations and demolitions and to give unimpeded access to humanitarian organisations in the occupied West Bank. They reaffirmed their commitment to Palestinian rights and assisting vulnerable populations in Area C. Through official channels, the consortium of donors have called on Israel to return or compensate for all humanitarian items which they have funded.
The abovementioned representatives condemned the killing of Palestinians and Israelis alike, while stressing the record high number of individuals killed this year in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
A joint statement with France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories:
France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, express their grave concern in the face of the continuing, growing violence in the occupied Palestinian territories.
We strongly condemn recent terrorist attacks that killed Israeli citizens. Terrorism can under no circumstance be justified.
We also strongly condemn indiscriminate violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, including destruction of homes and properties.
We are saddened by all loss of life. These acts can lead nowhere, except to more violence. Those responsible must face full accountability and legal prosecution. All unilateral actions that threaten peace and incitement to violence must cease.
There has been a spark of hope coming from the recent meeting in Aqaba, where Israelis and Palestinians both affirmed reciprocal commitments, including on efforts to de-escalate and work towards a just and lasting peace.
Such a result is a first in many years, and we thank the United States of America and Kingdom of Jordan for making it possible. We urge all parties to refrain from making this fragile process derail, and call on all parties to make good on the commitments they made in the Aqaba meeting by de-escalating in words and deeds and to restore calm, in order for those efforts to blossom and to make the next meeting in Egypt a success.
There can be no desirable outcome other than a just and lasting peace for all. In this regard, we also reiterate our strong opposition to all unilateral measures that undermine the Two-state solution, including expansion of settlements which are illegal under international law.
We urge the Israeli government to reverse its recent decision to advance the construction of more than 7,000 settlement building units across the occupied West Bank and to legalize settlement outposts.
A statement by The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Japan
Today marks a year since the brutal, unjustified and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. In that year, thousands of innocent Ukrainian people have been killed, and millions forced from their homes.
We, the Embassies of Australia, Denmark, Japan and the United Kingdom will tonight light up our shared Embassies’ Complex here in Beirut in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
We do so because our countries share not only a common building, but common values: respect for the principles of the UN charter, for territorial integrity and for human rights.
As such we stand, in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine.
The Ukrainians are defending their right, our right, and the right of everyone to live in freedom. We commend and support their bravery in the face of such aggression. Russia cannot and will not succeed.
Russia has consistently underestimated Ukraine. Russia planned to seize Ukraine in three days. 365 days later, Ukraine continues to liberate territory and push back Russian forces. This gives hope for Ukraine’s long-term ability to withstand Russia’s aggression.
It is imperative for a lasting peace that Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and the UN Charter must be respected.
Russia’s invasion has led to global suffering, with impacts felt here in Lebanon and across the world. Food insecurity has hit the poor the hardest. The Lebanese people should not have to bear further hardship because of Russian expansionist ambitions.
One year ago, Lebanon was the first country in the Middle East to speak unequivocally against Russia’s actions and in support of the UN Charter. In doing so Lebanon stood amongst friends, and with the majority of the international community.
We raise the Ukrainian flag today in support of the Ukrainian people and their brave fight against Russian aggression. We, good neighbours in Beirut from four countries and three continents, stand together in support of Ukraine and the values it is defending so bravely and which we, like Lebanon, share.
*The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Japan.
President Zelenskyy arrives in the UK today to meet the Prime Minister and visit Ukrainian troops.
Comes as the Prime Minister announces plans to expand training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to sea and air, including fighter jet pilots and marines, as part of long-term investment in their military.
UK also accelerates military equipment to Ukraine in a bid to give Ukrainian forces the upper hand on the battlefield and limit Russia’s ability to target civilian infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy will visit the UK today to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and address parliament as the UK steps up its delivery of lethal aid into the country, and prepares to train fighter jet pilots and marines.
The leaders will discuss a two-pronged approach to UK support for Ukraine, starting with an immediate surge of military equipment to the country to help counter Russia’s spring offensive, and reinforced by long-term support.
The Prime Minister will also offer the UK’s backing to President Zelenskyy’s plans to work towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
As part of today’s talks, the Prime Minister will offer to bolster the UK’s training offer for Ukrainian troops, including expanding it to fighter jet pilots to ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future.
The training will ensure pilots are able to fly sophisticated NATO-standard fighter jets in the future. As part of that long-term capability investment, the UK will work with Ukraine and international allies to coordinate collective support to meet Ukraine’s defensive needs.
He will also offer to begin an immediate training programme for marines.
That training will be in addition to the recruit training programme already running in the UK, which has seen 10,000 Ukrainian troops brought to battle readiness in the last six months, and which will upskill a further 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year. The UK will continue to work with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and international community to scale the programme up in 2023.
Just last week, Ukrainian troops arrived in the UK to learn how to command Challenger 2 tanks, following the Prime Minister’s decision to send the main battle tanks to Ukraine.
The Prime Minister will also offer to provide Ukraine with longer range capabilities. This will disrupt Russia’s ability to continually target Ukraine’s civilian and critical national infrastructure and help relieve pressure on Ukraine’s frontlines.
The President and his team will also meet defence and security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of the Air Staff, to discuss the details of the training programme.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries.
“Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.
“I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future. It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come.”
The UK will also announce further sanctions today in response to Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine, including the targeting of those who have helped Putin build his personal wealth, and companies who are profiting from the Kremlin’s war machine.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the Ukrainian Parliament yesterday:
President Zelenskyy, Mr Chairman, members of the Verkhovna Rada. It is a big honour for me to address you at this crucial moment in history and I salute the courage with which you are meeting, the way you have continued to meet, in spite of a barbaric onslaught on your freedoms
Day after day missiles and bombs continue to rain on the innocent people of Ukraine
In the south and the east of your wonderful country, Putin continues with his grotesque and illegal campaign to take and hold Ukrainian soil
And his soldiers no longer have the excuse of not knowing what they are doing
They are committing war crimes, and their atrocities emerge wherever they are forced to retreat – as we’ve seen at Bucha, at Irpin at Hostomel and many other places
We in the UK will do whatever we can to hold them to account for these war crimes
and in this moment of uncertainty, of continuing fear and doubt
I have one message for you today:
Ukraine will win
Ukraine will be free
And I tell you why I believe you will succeed, members of the Rada
When they came to me last year, and they said that the evidence was now overwhelming that Putin was planning an invasion
and we could see his Battalion Tactical Groups – well over 100 of them – gathering on the border
I also, I remember a sense of horror but also of puzzlement.
Because I had been to Kyiv on previous visits – and I actually met some of you and I had stood in the Maidan and seen the tributes to those who had given their lives to protect Ukraine against Russian aggression
and I’ve wandered the lovely streets of your capital
and I’ve seen enough about Ukrainian freedom to know that the Kremlin was making a fundamental miscalculation, a terrible mistake
and I told anyone I knew, anyone who would listen that Ukraine would fight and Ukraine would be right
and yet there were some who believed the Kremlin propaganda that Russian armour would be like an irresistible force going like a knife through butter, and that Kyiv would fall within days
Do you remember they said that? And people rang Volodymyr and offered him safe passage out of the country, and he said – no thanks
and that this Rada of yours would have to be reformed outside Ukraine maybe in Poland or even in London perhaps
and I refused to believe it.
And today you have proved them completely wrong, every one of those military experts who said Ukraine would fall
Your farmers kidnapped Russian tanks with their tractors
Your pensioners told Russian soldiers to hop as we say, although they may have used more colourful language
Even in the parts of Ukraine that were temporarily captured, your populations, your indomitable populations turned out to protest, day after day
And though your soldiers were always outnumbered – three to one it is now – they fought with the energy and courage of lions
You have beaten them back from Kyiv
You have exploded the myth of Putin’s invincibility and you have written one of the most glorious chapters in military history and in the life of your country.
The so-called irresistible force of Putin’s war machine has broken on the immoveable object of Ukrainian patriotism and love of country.
This is Ukraine’s finest hour, that will be remembered and recounted for generations to come.
Your children and grandchildren will say that Ukrainians taught the world that the brute force of an aggressor counts for nothing against the moral force of a people determined to be free.
They will say that Ukrainians proved by their tenacity and sacrifice that tanks and guns cannot suppress a nation fighting for its independence,
and that is why I believe that Ukraine will win
You have proved the old saying – it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog – which is an old English saying, I’m not sure how well that translates in Ukrainian but you get what I’m trying to say.
And as you turned the Russian army back from the gates of Kyiv, you not only accomplished the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century, you achieved something deeper and perhaps equally significant. You exposed Putin’s historic folly, the gigantic error that only an autocrat can make.
Because when a leader rules by fear, rigs elections, jails critics, gags the media, and listens just to sycophants,
when there is no limit on his power = that is when he makes catastrophic mistakes.
And it is precisely because we understand this danger in Britain and in Ukraine – precisely because we are democracies, and because we have a free media, the rule of law, free elections and robust parliaments, such as your own,
we know that these are the best protections against the perils of arbitrary power.
When an autocrat deliberately destroys these institutions,he might look as though he is strong and some people might even believe it,
but he is sowing the seeds of catastrophe, for himself and for his country,
because there will be nothing to prevent him committing another terrible mistake Putin’s mistake was to invade Ukraine, and the carcasses of Russian armour littering your fields and streets are monuments not only to his folly, but to the dangers of autocracy itself.
What he has done is an advertisement for democracy.
On a day when Putin thought he would be in charge of Kyiv, I had the honour of being able to visit your wonderful city,
and I saw the defiance of the people of Ukraine,
I know so much about the terrible price that Ukrainians have paid and are paying for your heroism.
Today, at least one Ukrainian in every four has been driven from their homes, and it is a horrifying fact that two thirds of all Ukrainian children are now refugees, whether inside the country or elsewhere.
So no outsider like me can speak lightly about how the conflict could be settled, if only Ukraine would relinquish this or that piece or territory or we find some compromise for Vladimir Putin.
We know what happens to the people left in the in clutches of this invader.
And we who are your friends must be humble about what happened in in 2014,
because Ukraine was invaded before for the first time, when Crimea was taken from Ukraine and the war in the Donbas began
The truth is that we were too slow to grasp what was really happening and we collectively failed to impose the sanctions then that we should have put on Vladimir Putin.
We cannot make the same mistake again.
And it is precisely because of your valour your courage your sacrifice that Ukrainians now control your own destiny: you are the masters of your fate, and no-one can or should impose anything on Ukrainians.
We in the UK will be guided by you and we are proud to be your friends,
I am proud to say our Ambassador, Melinda Simmons, is back in Kyiv to reopen our embassy.
In January of course– just before Putin launched his onslaught – we sent you planeloads of anti-tank missiles, the NLAWS which I think have become popular in Kyiv,
and we have intensified that vital effort, working with dozens of countries, helping to coordinate this ever- bigger supply line, dispatching thousands of weapons of many kinds, including tanks now and armoured vehicles.
In the coming weeks, we in the UK will send you Brimstone anti-ship missiles and Stormer anti-aircraft systems.
We are providing armoured vehicles to evacuate civilians from areas under attack and protect officials – what Volodymyr mentioned to me in our most recent call – while they maintain critical infrastructure.
And I can announce today from the UK government a new package of support totalling £300 million, including radars to pinpoint the artillery bombarding your cities, heavy lift drones to supply your forces, and thousands of night vision devices.
We will carry on supplying Ukraine, alongside your other friends, with weapons, funding and humanitarian aid, until we have achieved our long-term goal, which must be so to fortify Ukraine that no-one will ever dare to attack you again.
Here in the UK, in my country, you will see Ukrainian flags flying from church spires and in shop windows. You see Ukrainian ribbons on the lapels of people up and down the country.
There are many reasons your country has evoked such astonishing sympathy in the British people.
It is a conflict that has no moral ambiguities or no grey areas.
This is about the right of Ukrainians to protect themselves against Putin’s violent and murderous aggression
It is about Ukraine’s right to independence and national self-determination, against Putin’s deranged imperialist revanchism
It is about Ukrainian democracy against Putin’s tyranny
It is about freedom versus oppression
It is about right versus wrong
It is about good versus evil
And that is why Ukraine must win
And when we look at the heroism of the Ukrainian people and the bravery of your leader Volodomyr Zelenskyy – we know that Ukraine will win
And we in the UK will do everything we can to restore a free sovereign and independent Ukraine
Thank you all very much for listening to me today, and slava Ukraini!
Russia has unleashed a military invasion of Ukraine, with reports of explosions near major cities across the country.
In a TV address to the Russian people early this morning, President Putin warned Western governments not to interfere.
Russia launched its military operation after recognising the self-proclaimed people’s republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine earlier this week. The breakaway pro-Russian regions later asked Moscow for military support, giving Putin an excuse, ifhe needed one, to escalate military operations.
In his announcement early this morning, Mr Putin said the military operation’s objective was to defend those people who had been subjected for eight years to “genocide by the Kyiv regime”.
In the TV statement Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia did not plan to occupy Ukraine, but said Moscow’s response would be “instant” if anyone tried to stop this.
While Western leaders have condemned Putin’s actions, NATO will not take up arms to support the Ukranian people.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the early hours of this morning.
The Prime Minister said he was appalled by the unfolding events in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian President updated the Prime Minister on the attacks taking place, and the Prime Minister said the West would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people.
The Prime Minister said he hoped Ukraine could resist and that Ukraine and its people were in the thoughts of everyone in the United Kingdom people during this dark time.
The Prime Minister is currently chairing a COBRA meeting to discuss developments in Ukraine.
Further sanctions are the likely outcome, but sanctions on their own will never deter an autocrat hell bent on having his own way. While NATO wrings it’s hands, Putin will be laughing all the way to Kyiv.
PM Boris Johnson gave an address to the nation on the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Shortly after 4 o’ clock this morning I spoke to president Zelenskyy of Ukraine to offer the continued support of the UKbecause our worst fears have now come true and all our warnings have proved tragically accurate.
President Putin of Russia has unleashed war in our European continent. He has attacked a friendly country without any provocation and without any credible excuse
Innumerable missiles and bombs have been raining down on an entirely innocent population
A vast invasion is underway by land by sea and by air.
And this is not in the infamous phrase some faraway country of which we know little
We have Ukrainian friends in this country; neighbours, co-workers
Ukraine is a country that for decades has enjoyed freedom and democracy and the right to choose its own destiny
We – and the world – cannot allow that freedom just to be snuffed out. We cannot and will not just look away.
It is because we have been so alarmed in recent months at the Russian intimidation that the UK became one of the first countries in Europe to send defensive weaponry to help the Ukrainians
Other allies have now done the same and we will do what more we can in the days ahead
Today in concert with our allies we will agree a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy
And to that end we must also collectively cease the dependence on Russian oil and gas that for too long has given Putin his grip on western politics
Our mission is clear – Diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.
And so I say to the people of Russia, whose president has just authorised a tidal wave of violence against a fellow Slavic people
The parents of Russian soldiers who will lose their lives.
I cannot believe this is being done in your name or that you really want the pariah status it will bring to the Putin regime
and I say to the Ukrainians in this moment of agony
we are with you we are praying for you and your families
and we are on your side
And if the months ahead are grim, and the flame of freedom burns low
I know that it will blaze bright again in Ukraine because for all his bombs and tanks and missiles I don’t believe that the Russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling of the Ukrainians and their passionate belief that their country should be free
and I say to the British people and all who have heard the threats from Putin against those who stand with Ukraine
we will of course do everything to keep our country safe
We are joined in our outrage by friends and allies around the world
We will work with them – for however long it takes – to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored
because this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine
It is an attack on democracy and freedom in East Europe and around the world
This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign independent European people to choose their own future – and that is a right that the UK will always defend.
Prime Minister travels to Germany today for the Munich Security Conference
Prime Minister will address Munich Security Conference on the importance of Western unity
While in Germany he will meet world leaders to discuss current tensions
Visit comes as allies warn that an invasion of Ukraine could take place at any moment
The Prime Minister will travel to Germany today (Saturday) for discussions with European allies amid increasing concern about the likelihood of a further Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This week the build-up of forces has continued despite Russian claims to the contrary, with 7,000 more troops arriving on Ukraine’s border in recent days. The UK and other allies have warned that military action could take place at any moment and without warning.
At the Munich Security Conference the Prime Minister will deliver a speech calling on allies to stay united in the face of Russian hostility. He will remind partners that, while there is still time to persuade President Putin to stand down Russian troops, the only prospect for this is if the western world speaks with one voice to dissuade and deter.
While in Munich, the Prime Minister will also meet a number of European partners to discuss the current response. In recent days the Prime Minister has spoken to the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Japan, Australia and elsewhere about the ongoing crisis.
The Prime Minister said: “There is still a chance to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, but it will require an overwhelming display of western solidarity beyond anything we have seen in recent history.
“Allies need to speak with one voice to stress to President Putin the high price he will pay for any further Russian invasion of Ukraine. Diplomacy can still prevail.
“That is the message I will take to Munich today as we redouble our efforts to prevent a grave miscalculation which would devastate Ukraine, Russia and the rest of Europe.”
The Munich Security Conference is the world’s largest annual gathering of international leaders and foreign policy experts. When the Prime Minister addressed the conference last year he warned that countries like Russia who seek to act with ‘reckless abandon’ to harm our people must be met with the ‘immovable rock of trans-Atlantic solidarity’.
One year on, the Prime Minister will reiterate that message both in his speech to the conference and in meetings with world leaders.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its travel advice to Ukraine, and is now advising British nationals against all travel to Ukraine.
British nationals currently in Ukraine should leave now while commercial means are still available.
A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: “The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority, which is why we have updated our travel advice.
“We urge British nationals in Ukraine to leave now via commercial means while they remain available.“
It’s thought that fewer than one thousand British citizens are currently in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister held a virtual meeting with the leaders of the US, Canada, Italy, Poland, Romania, France, Germany, the European Council, the European Commission and NATO to discuss the situation in Ukraine last night.
The Prime Minister told the group that he feared for the security of Europe in the current circumstances.
He impressed the need for NATO Allies to make it absolutely clear that there will be a heavy package of economic sanctions ready to go, should Russia make the devastating and destructive decision to invade Ukraine.
The Prime Minister added that President Putin had to understand that there would be severe penalties that would be extremely damaging to Russia’s economy, and that Allies needed to continue with efforts to reinforce and support the Eastern frontiers of NATO. He urged the leaders to work together to deliver economic and defensive support to Ukraine.
The leaders agreed that if President Putin de-escalated, there was another way forward, and they pledged to redouble diplomatic efforts in the coming days.
COP26:First Minister calls on leaders to step up and secure successful outcome
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that the Scottish Government will increase its fund for climate justice by a further 50% on top of the previous commitment to double the fund as part of Scotland’s response and contribution to the ongoing negotiations at COP26.
Calling on larger countries with more resources to recognise their moral responsibility and adopt a “can-do” attitude for the final days of COP26 to secure a successful outcome, the First Minister said: “It is clear that fair climate finance is the key to making real progress at COP26.
“Every vulnerable or developing country I have spoken with has big ambitions for meeting the climate crisis but they do not have the funding for adaptation, for mitigation, or for tackling the loss and damage that is needed to deliver.
“Twelve years on from the commitment by developed nations to provide funding of 100 billion dollars a year, that is simply not good enough.
“It is time for leaders of developed countries, large and small, to do what is needed to bridge the remaining gap, and put on the table now the money that is needed to make good on past commitments and unlock progress in other areas.
“Scotland is a relatively small country of just five million people, and we do not have substantial powers of borrowing. That means our contribution will always be relatively small in a global context. However, we can still lead by example and there has never been a more vital time to do so.
“All of my conversations with delegates from the global south over these two weeks – and the obvious need to increase the overall ambition of the draft cover text published yesterday – have convinced me that rich countries must do more on finance in the final hours of COP if we are to secure the best possible outcome. That is not charity, it is our obligation.
“Accordingly, the Scottish Government – having already committed to doubling our climate justice fund to £24 million in this Parliament – has now decided to increase it by a further £12 million. That means since the fund opened in 2012, we will have trebled Scotland’s contribution to Climate Justice.
“This increased funding will also build on our ground breaking contribution to loss and damage, by doubling our contribution to addressing loss and damage to £2 million.
“My message today is simple. If Scotland can up its contribution, there is no good reason why the larger, developed countries around the negotiating table cannot do so too.
“I call on all leaders to step up and secure the outcome from this Glasgow COP that our planet needs.”
