Trump's troops have no place in Prestwick
The First Minister must follow the evidence and finally block US forces from using Prestwick airport, says Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay.
The call, which was made at First Minister’s Questions, follows several media investigations confirming that US military jets that have refuelled at Prestwick have gone on to take part in the bombing of Iran.
In her first question to the FM, Gillian said:
“Since the Scottish Greens last raised the issue of Prestwick Airport in this chamber, investigations by the BBC, Sunday Mail and the National have confirmed that the airport has been visited by US military refuelling jets.
“These jets have gone on to fly missions in the US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran.
“Military experts say it is concrete proof of our complicity in a war which has now killed over 1,300 people in Iran - including more than 200 children.
“The First Minister previously said he would consider banning US forces from the airport, if it was confirmed it was being used to support military action in the Middle East.
“What more does the First Minister need? Does he accept that Prestwick is being used to directly support the Israeli and US bombing campaign in Iran?”
In his response the First Minister condemned US actions in Iran, and implied that he did not have the power and so would not commit to banning Trump’s forces from Prestwick.
In her second question, Gillian said:
“I’m pleased that the First Minister is concerned, but I’m really disappointed in that answer.
“Last weekend the First Minister said that an Independent Scotland could ban foreign militaries involved in illegal wars from the country. We welcome that commitment.
“But Scotland cannot and must not wait for independence to act on our principles.
“Children in Iran are dying now, and they are being bombed by planes refuelled in a chain that leads directly back to Prestwick.
“We know the public in Scotland are overwhelmingly against this war. We know the airport is owned by the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Government has previously already taken the decision to ban Israeli planes.
“They can take that same decision now. We don’t need to ask for Westminster’s permission to do anything.
“So when will the First Minister properly stand up for Scotland, and finally kick Trump’s troops out?”