Has Trump snubbed Sturgeon?
Scottish Secretary only minister to greet president – with SNP absent
SCOTTISH Secretary David Mundell will be the only official to welcome Donald Trump to Scotland it was confirmed yesterday, in what has been seen as a snub to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Mr Mundell will greet the US President and his wife Melania after they arrive on Air Force One tomorrow night – but there will be no Scottish Government presence.
He could then travel with them to Mr Trump’s Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, where the couple are set to spend a ‘private’ visit.
It comes as a ring of steel was thrown around Prestwick Airport ahead of Mr Trump’s visit. The Scotland Office confirmed details of the arrival, as it looked unlikely he would meet the First Minister.
The Scottish Government said no meeting was scheduled and said they will not be represented at the President’s arrival.
Miss Sturgeon stripped the President of his role as a business ambassador in 2015 and has spoken out against his policies.
Mr Mundell said: ‘I am looking forward to greeting Mr Trump on behalf of the UK Government when he arrives in Scotland. The President’s visit is an opportunity to strengthen vital links with one of our most important global allies.’
Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser said: ‘Whatever your view on Donald Trump, he is still the world’s most powerful man and leader of our closest ally.
‘It must be frustrating for Nicola Sturgeon to have been snubbed by him, especially considering the close relationship once enjoyed with her predecessor.’
A large-scale security operation swung into action at Prestwick yesterday as two US Air Force planes delivered a fleet of vehicles that will form part of the President’s motorcade.
Plainclothes US agents were also at HMS Gannet Royal Naval air station at Prestwick.
Security has been tightened at Turnberry, with secret service staff on site and a large police presence in and around the grounds.
The hotel remains open to the public despite the security, although a fence is being erected around the grounds of the main hotel where protests are expected. The Civil Aviation Authority ordered flight and drone restrictions over Turnberry and Prestwick after a request from police.
President Trump arrives in the UK today and will meet Theresa May and the Queen before flying to Scotland tomorrow.
The police operation in Scotland is expected to cost up to £5million – which the Home Office will pay.
The Scottish Government yesterday confirmed no one would be there to meet President Trump alongside Mr Mundell.
A spokesman said: ‘President Trump is coming to the UK at the invitation of the UK Government and the Secretary of State for Scotland will greet him on arrival. We understand his time in Scotland is planned as a private visit.’
Last night, a Tory source said: ‘It’s right that an effort is made to meet the President of the most powerful country in the world.
‘Perhaps if Nicola Sturgeon had been a bit more dignified with her language, she wouldn’t have been snubbed in this way.’
The SNP’s deputy leader Ian Blackford took a swipe at the President, insisting that despite his mother being Scottish he did not behave like a Scot.
Anti-Trump protests are set to be held in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow this weekend, with Holyrood opposition leaders expected to attend.
Yesterday, they called for President Trump’s flight to be banned from Prestwick, which is owned by the Scottish Government.
In a joint statement, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard and Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie said: ‘Donald Trump is not welcome here.’
‘Frustrating for Nicola Sturgeon’