The SNP has been accused of "grandstanding" after spending £12,000 of taxpayers' money on visits to Dubai and China.
First Minister Humza Yousaf travelled to Dubai in 2023 with his net zero secretary Mairi McAllan.
McAllan's trip cost £4,412.86, while Yousaf's cost £2,814.50. The same year, Angus Robertson racked up a £5,362.34 bill on a seven-day trip to China.
The SNP's constitution secretary spent a week in China to promote relations between Scotland and Beijing, despite the UK Government discouraging relationships with China due to concerns over spying.
Humza Yousaf has been accused of "grandstanding" after spending £12,000 of taxpayers' money on visits to Dubai and China
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Conservative Party deputy spokesman for the constitution, external affairs and culture Alexander Stewart blasted the three politicians for "grandstanding", saying the cost of the trips is an "insult" to Scots facing cost of living pressures.
Stewart told the Scottish Express: "Hard-pressed Scots will be shocked that they are continuing to foot the bill for SNP ministers to grandstand around the world.
“That is an insult at a time when Shona Robison’s disastrous tax-and-axe budget means they are now paying more to get less.
"In particular they will be wondering why thousands was shelled out for Humza Yousaf and Mairi McAllan to swan around COP, especially when they have just received such a scathing verdict on their own climate targets.
“Rather than jetting off – and making absurd claims about world leaders turning to them for advice – SNP ministers should reduce their air miles and focus on priorities closer to home such as NHS waiting times and growing the economy."
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP added: "Money spent on foreign trips needs to be justified and in line with expectations the public have about how their taxes are being used.
"The SNP need to make sure they strike that balance because costs like these will stick in the throat of all those struggling to pay their bills or get the GP and dentist appointments they need."
But a Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Travel is an essential part of Government business and allows Ministers and officials to promote Scotland, build relationships and boost investment.
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A Scottish Government spokeswoman said travel is an 'essential part of Government business'
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"All travel costs are in accordance with travel and subsistence policies to ensure we deliver the best value for money possible for the Scottish taxpayer.
“The Scottish Government takes its responsibility to travel sustainably very seriously and aims to use sustainable forms of transport whenever possible, while ensuring value for money for the taxpayer is carefully considered.”
