STEPHEN Flynn has ruled out meeting Donald Trump during the US president’s upcoming visit to Scotland, joking that he’ll be “washing his hair” and “looking after his own toddlers” instead.
Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the SNP Westminster leader made clear he had no interest in being part of Trump’s Scottish tour, saying: “I’ll not be meeting with the president.
“I’ll be busy getting a haircut or washing my hair – and finding any excuse possible to make sure I’m looking after my own toddlers at the time.”
But while personally distancing himself from Trump’s visit, Flynn defended First Minister John Swinney’s decision to meet him. “It’s absolutely right that John does meet him as the First Minister of Scotland,” he said.
Flynn noted that Trump is “one of the most senior politicians on the planet” and is due to visit Aberdeen – Flynn’s hometown – as well as his golf resort in Ayrshire. “It’s entirely appropriate that the First Minister meets him in a respectful fashion,” he added.
However, the SNP MP drew a sharp distinction between diplomatic protocol and political endorsement.
“I don’t think the UK should be rolling out the red carpet later on this year,” Flynn said, referring to the possibility of a more formal state-style welcome for Trump during a potential future visit.
Trump is expected to visit Scotland next weekend on a trip to his golf courses on the Menie and Turnberry estates, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer due to meet with him in Aberdeen.
The National previously reported that an extensive policing plan had been put in place by Police Scotland for the US president.
Meanwhile, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie recently said he should “absolutely not” be welcomed in Scotland.
Trump is likely to be met with protests similar to those from his 2018 visit.