AN SNP MP has been appointed to a new role aimed at building international support for independence, it has been announced.

Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, now the party’s business ambassador has tasked Dundee West MP Chris Law with “establishing important relationships” with global figures in the hope of strengthening the case for independence.

Law previously served as the party’s spokesperson for international development. He now takes on the role of the SNP’s international engagement ambassador.

Blackford said: “I am delighted to have been able to bring Chris onto the team.

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“As we work towards Scotland’s independence, projects like this will be crucial to establishing important relationships that may prove vital in the near future. 

“Building international support will be critical to the establishment of an independent Scotland, and by having these conversations now, we can help lay the groundwork for the early days of independence.”

Law added: “I am proud to be asked to join Ian’s team and to be able to put my skills, knowledge and years of experience to use in this new role as we continue to build towards Scotland’s independence.

“I have been able to represent the SNP and Scotland at a number of major international events and meetings over the past few years, including at climate conferences and meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and most recently in Ukraine.  

“This new role will help us to open and build upon both new and established relationships with parliamentarians and prominent figures around the world, and complement the work already carried out by our excellent front-bench foreign affairs teams in both the Scottish Parliament and the House of Commons.”

It comes after Blackford appointed two energy experts to explore how Scotland could “be at the forefront of the green industrial revolution”.