Scottish Government Backs Tibetan Right to Freely Choose Next Dalai Lama

The Scottish Government has reiterated its support for the Tibetan Buddhist community’s right to select the next Dalai Lama without foreign interference. Responding to MSP Ross Greer’s questions during a 22 May Scottish Parliament session, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart extended warm wishes for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s upcoming 90th birthday and praised the Buddhist community’s contributions in Scotland. Highlighting concerns over China’s previous interference in the Panchen Lama’s succession, Greer urged the government to uphold Tibetan traditions. Stewart affirmed that religious freedom and human rights remain core Scottish values.