Yousaf attacks lack of detail ahead of US president’s trip
● Justice secretary unable to conceal his frustration with Trump’s office
Justice secretary Humza Yousaf has called for “further clarity” on Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland in a thinly veiled rebuke to the US president’s administration.
Mr Yousaf expressed frustration at the lack of detail the Scottish Government had been given about the trip and its implications for policing.
His plea for more information was combined with a call for the protesters planning to demonstrate against the US president to do so “safely and peacefully”. The newly-installed justice secretary said Mr Trump’s Scottish leg of his UK visit had “significant operational implications” for Police Scotland.
Mr Yousaf ’s remarks reflected his exasperation over the lack of communication between the Scottish Government and Mr Trump’s office as well as the UK government, who between them have been organising the visit.
So far there has been little detail of how Mr Trump intends to spend his the weekend in Scotland. He will fly into Prestwick on Friday evening and is expected to spend a couple of days at his Turnberry Hotel, a visit that may include a round of golf. Mr Trump’s office has not been in touch with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about the two politicians meeting up. It is thought
0 Donald Trump will fly into Prestwick on Friday evening
Scottish Secretary David Mundell may greet Mr Trump when he flies into Prestwick.
Speaking after meeting Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, Mr Yousaf
said: “We understand that many people feel very strongly about President Trump and his administration’s policies and will want to express that this weekend when he is in the country.
“That is why there are a number of organised protest locations across the country this weekend and I would urge people who want to exercise their right to demonstrate in those locations to do so in a safe and peaceful manner.
“It is clear that President Trump’s visit will have significant operational implications for Police Scotland and planning has been taking place with partners for some time. I am confident that Police Scotland will provide a profes- sional and effective policing response, keeping communities safe and facilitating peaceful protest.
“Further clarity around President Trump’s plans while visiting Scotland would greatly aid the planning that is being taken forward by our police and wider partners.”
Last night the US Embassy declined to respond to Mr Yousaf’s comments. The embassy has, however, issued advice warning that antitrump protests could turn violent. It warned people to “exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings that may become violent”.