Humza Yousaf has been accused of lying to MSPs after new evidence emerged which supports claims that the SNP lifted Covid travel restrictions to Spain partly for political reasons.
The First Minister told Holyrood last month that decisions on Spanish travel made in July 2020 during the pandemic were based on “purely epidemiological” concerns.
This was despite the UK Covid inquiry having already uncovered evidence suggesting Spain was treated more favourably due to fears it could block an independent Scotland’s membership of the EU as revenge if it was not added to a travel exemptions list.
Now the Scottish Tories have obtained further emails which show that Scott Wightman, a Scottish Government official, said in July 2020 that “politically a decision on Spain” had to be announced in the Scottish Parliament. Just hours later, the rules were eased.
A government briefing note also made clear that “Scotland’s external relationships, including with Spain” had been “adversely impacted by the current restrictions” and called for the rules to be relaxed.
Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, said that Mr Yousaf had “some serious explaining to do”.
He added: “It would appear from this explosive email chain that the First Minister misled parliament when he assured me at First Minister’s Questions that the decision to exempt Spain was taken for ‘purely epidemiological reasons’.
“These messages reinforce what we learned at the UK Covid Inquiry – that the SNP Government were influenced by the political ramifications of maintaining a travel ban, rather than solely public safety.
“Those who lost loved ones will rightly be appalled that, even at the height of the pandemic, the SNP were still gaming their independence obsession.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
