Scotland Urged to Follow Spain and Ban US Military From Its Airbases

Scottish first minister John Swinney has been told to follow Spain’s example and ban the US from using its bases for its war on Iran.

During First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer said the US “is using an airport owned by the Scottish government to wage an illegal war, killing hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent people”.

He added: “We can see the flight data. We see the flights between Prestwick and Israel by the US military. It’s abundantly obvious what they’re doing. Spain, a fellow Nato member, has now banned the US military from using their airbases.

“Their prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said: ‘You can be against a hateful regime and at the same time against an unjustified and dangerous military intervention that is outside of international law.’ I believe the first minister agrees with that statement. It’s very similar to statements he made when he marched against the war against Iraq in 2003.”

Greer said flight data showed that 24 US military flights had landed at Glasgow Prestwick airport in the week leading up to the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, including at least one that came from Israel.

“Why won’t the first minister kick Trump’s troops out of Prestwick airport immediately?” Greer said.

Swinney replied: “I am in no way shape or form a supporter of what has happened in the course of the last few days … I am taking steps within government to establish the details around the use of Prestwick airport. 

“When the government has more to say to parliament about that, we will do so.”