Scottish Lib Dem leader responds to 'breaking rules' claims over US Kamala Harris campaign trip

Alex Cole-Hamilton said he had taken a week-long holiday "to go knock doors" in the city of Scranton. Pennsylvania is considered a key swing state in the tight battle for the White House.

In July, Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. 

Mr Cole-Hamilton previously explained he would be flying out with three other Lib Dem friends and staying with his sister in upstate New York. 

“We are political animals and this feels like a moment in time where I want to know I did something, even if that is just turning up at local Democratic precincts in Scranton and knocking doors for six or seven days," he told The Daily Record. 

"I want to see the whites of people’s eyes and hear what they are saying. This feels like one of the most important elections, not just in American history, but global history."

The Scottish Parliament is in recess for the October break.

Asked about potential criticism over his trip, which he is funding himself, Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “It’s not my first rodeo. I was there in 2008 helping Obama. I am not breaking any rules. I am using some of my free time during Holyrood recess. I am going to indulge my favourite hobby, which is going out and speaking to people about what matters to them."

Last week, Elon Musk criticised the Labour Party after it emerged nearly 100 of its activists are to campaign for the Democrats in key states.

The tech mogul claimed the move was "illegal", but US rules say foreign nationals can participate in campaign activities as uncompensated volunteers.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said the “stakes are really high” at the election on November 5.

“Look at the rhetoric around Ukraine and Russian aggression,” he told the Daily Record. “Donald Trump is clearly a friend of [Vladimir] Putin and will not have the backbone or resolve to supply the fighting men and women with the material they need to win the war.

“And if that happens, what does that mean for Nato? This is a global crossroads. It feels like the least I can do.”