Scotland should establish a new diplomatic service, say Scottish Greens

Scotland should establish a new diplomatic service, according to a new ‘global citizen’ mini-manifesto released by the Scottish Greens.

The plan also calls on the Scottish Government to unilaterally recognise the existence of Palestine as a state, support the rights of Kurdish peoples in the Middle East, and implement a policy of boycotts, divestments and sanctions against Israel.

The Scottish Greens said the Scottish Government should push for observer status on international bodies such as the United Nations, World Health Organisation and Nordic Council, and increase its International Development Fund and Climate Justice Fund.

Ross Greer, Europe and International Affairs spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP candidate for West of Scotland, said: “Scotland can take an active, powerful and compassionate role in the world. We can play our part in facing the challenges of refugee crises, climate crises and conflict head on as well as building strong international links in areas of devolved policy such as health and education.”

The policy document coincided with a new campaign from Amnesty International, calling on parties to create a coordinated response to the refugee crisis in Europe and back the Human Rights Act.