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Scotland's First Minister Declines White House Banquet Invitation

4/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney declines the White House state banquet invitation for April 28, 2026, citing election campaigning.
The banquet anchors King Charles and Queen Camilla's official U.S. visit for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The SNP is projected to win a slim majority in the Holyrood election on May 7, 2026.
Swinney previously pressed the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for tariff exemptions on Scotch whisky.

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Story summary

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney declines the White House state banquet invitation for April 28, 2026, citing election campaigning.
The banquet anchors King Charles and Queen Camilla's official U.S. visit for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The SNP is projected to win a slim majority in the Holyrood election on May 7, 2026.
Swinney previously pressed the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for tariff exemptions on Scotch whisky.