Scottish Government
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On-going response to Paris attacks
Scottish Government resilience meeting to discuss situation in France.
The First Minister yesterday chaired a second Scottish Government resilience (SGORR) meeting following the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Culture, Europe and External Affairs Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, Europe Minister Humza Yousaf, Infrastructure, Investment & Cities Secretary, Keith Brown, Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC, senior Police Scotland representatives and Scottish Government officials took part in the meeting to discuss the on-going response to Friday night’s attacks and the support that will be in place should any Scots be affected.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also taken part in the UK Government’s resilience (COBR) meeting, chaired by the Home Secretary yesterday.
Deputy First Minister, John Swinney and the Consul General of France, Emmanuel Cocher, attended a service at St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh this morning to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks.
Recently the First Minister met with Mr Cocher at the Consulate in Edinburgh, where she signed the Book of Condolence.
The First Minister said: “The terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night have shocked and horrified the nation.
“This morning I convened a second Scottish Government resilience meeting to ensure that we are doing everything we can in Scotland to provide support for those who may be affected by this senseless attack.
“The Deputy First Minister this morning joined the Consul General of France at a service at St Giles’ to pay tribute to the victims of this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of France and all of those affected.
“We are continuing to work closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Police Scotland and other partners to ensure that those who have been caught up in this attack or who may be concerned about relatives have all of the advice, help and information they need.
“As I stressed yesterday, Scotland is a diverse multi-cultural society and this diversity is our strength. Terrorist attacks are intended to divide us and destroy the freedoms and way of life we value so highly. We must unite as a community here at home - and in solidarity with France - to make clear that they will not succeed."
Notes To Editors
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of their friends and family members, who may have been in Paris, should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Crisis Centre helpline on 020 7008 0000.
