FOI/202400444806 · FOI · partially withheld
First Minister telephone conversation with President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump: FOI release
Information requested
Please provide all minutes or notes taken during the First Minister’s telephone conversation with the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, on 10 December 2024. Please also provide all communication between the Scottish Government and Mr Trump’s representatives about the call. Please also provide any briefing notes prepared for the First Minister in advance of the call.
Response
I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested at Annex A to this letter.
The following exemptions apply to the information you requested:
Section 38(1)(b), concerning the personal data of a third party. This relates to the personal data of Scottish Government civil servants below Senior Civil Service level, and members of the President-Elect's team. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. Section 30(b)(i) concerning the substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice. This relates to information that, if disclosed, would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring civil servants are able to provide free and frank advice to ministers. Section 32(1)(a), concerning substantial prejudice to international relations. Information is exempt from disclosure if disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice substantially relations between the UK and any other State. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining the UK's international relationships.
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Detected exemption language
The following exemptions apply to the information you requested: Section 38(1)(b), concerning the personal data of a third party. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. Section 30(b)(i) concerning the substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.