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Publication - Correspondence

Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees: resignation letters

Published
8 May 2024
Part of
Equality and rights, Equality and rights

Letters between the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees Emma Roddick and the First Minister.

Letter from Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees Emma Roddick to First Minister John Swinney – 8 May 2024

Dear John,

Congratulations on becoming SNP Leader, and of course, First Minister. As you know, I backed you as candidate for the SNP leadership and I will continue to support you throughout your tenure as you seek to create a fairer, more equal Scotland, where anyone can succeed, and which plays an important role on the world stage.

I have immensely enjoyed my role as Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees but would like to inform you of my intention to stand down from this role.

I am very proud of my work over the past year - from supporting refugees and displaced Ukrainians to important work on equalities and human rights. I took particular pride in being able to deliver the Government's Action Plan to address depopulation and create sustainable communities. It is vital we support our rural and island areas through actions such as attracting new talent, delivering affordable housing and creating jobs. I am privileged to represent the Highlands and Islands and I want to continue to see those areas flourish through our policies.

As the youngest Minister to have ever served in the Scottish Government, I hope I can show that, no matter your age or background, you can achieve high political office.

I look forward to supporting your government from the backbenches.

Emma Roddick

Letter from First Minister John Swinney to Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees Emma Roddick – 8 May 2024

Dear Emma

Thank you for the kind remarks in your resignation letter.

As you say, you were the youngest Minister in the history of the Scottish Government which is an immense achievement of which you should always be rightly proud.

Your talent was recognised by Humza, and I have always valued the strong parliamentary contributions you have made. You have much to be proud of. I am sure at some point in the future you will be back in government and will again have much to offer.

With best wishes for the future.

Yours for Scotland

John Swinney

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