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Devolution

Asked by John CooperConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 5 December 2025UIN 95182

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she had with the Scottish Government prior to the meeting between the First Minister of Scotland and the President of Ireland on 26 November 2025 in Dublin; and whether officials were present at the meeting.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

Under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Devolved Governments are entitled to have discussions with Ireland on matters within devolved competence. These meetings are not routinely attended by UK Government officials but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is made aware of them in advance.

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