Global Influence
We have more global impact when we work together. As part of the UK, Scotland is helping tackle issues like climate change, poverty, and conflict.
The combined strength and global influence of the UK allows it to make a real difference on the world stage.
Using the UK’s Global Influence
The UK is working with international partners to advance the prosperity, sustainability and security of the world for generations to come.
The FCDO works with international organisations to promote UK interests and global security, including:
- NATO
- the United Nations
- the UN Security Council
- the Commonwealth
Support for British people living, travelling and working around the world
Embassies around the world
The FCDO employs more than 16,000 staff worldwide, and operates 280 diplomatic posts in 178 countries and territories. Each of these embassies, high commissions and consulates represents the values and interests of Scotland and the whole UK.
People with a UK passport are guaranteed help and support from this network, which includes high-quality, accessible consular services and support for incidents affecting British people overseas.
These diplomatic posts can respond rapidly to overseas crises and help coordinate action by the UK Government and its partners.
This map shows many of the UK’s diplomatic posts across the globe:
FCDO can also send the Rapid Deployment Team (RDT) to a country or area to help UK nationals worldwide in crisis situations. The team responded to various crises last year to support British nationals, including Israel, Gaza, Sudan and Rhodes.
Fraser’s Story
The UK Government coordinated the longest and largest evacuation of any Western country and brought 2,450 people to safety from Sudan in 2023, Glasgow-born Fraser McDougall was part of the UK Government’s operation.
Fraser worked for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and was despatched to the Sudanese capital Khartoum in April 2023 with the UK Government’s Rapid Deployment Team.
The aim was to help British nationals fleeing the violence.
Fraser received his call to deploy just minutes before he delivered his best man speech at his best friend’s wedding in Fenwick, Ayrshire.
The HALO Trust’s Story
The HALO Trust, which is headquartered in Dumfries and Galloway, is a charity that saves lives and help countries recover by clearing land mines.
The UK Government announced April 2023 new funding for leading British organisations, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The HALO Trust (HALO) to help clear mines and educate communities about the associated risks in 8 countries: Angola, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Laos, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan and Zimbabwe.
It follows funding announced last year for projects in Ukraine and Afghanistan, supporting more than 50,000 people from programmes across the 10 countries.
Trading relationships
The UK is unlocking new opportunities for businesses on the world stage by promoting and financing exports and encouraging inward investment.
The UK Government has a trade and investment hub in Scotland to help businesses thrive and grow internationally. Furthermore, UK Export Finance (UKEF) has appointed a specialist to focus on supporting Scotland’s renewable exports and energy transition.
There were 130 new inward investment projects in Scotland in 2022-2023, and as a result 3,428 jobs were created. Many of these projects were supported by the UK Government or one of its partners. Over the past 3 years there have been 341 foreign direct investment projects in Scotland, creating more than 11,000 new jobs.
At the same time, the UK is negotiating and signing new free trade agreements worldwide. These will open up new markets for Scotland’s exporters and bring in further investment.