Ross Greer, a Scottish Green MSP, lambasted the Scottish Government for its “deference to the White House” during a Holyrood discussion concerning the American military’s utilization of Scottish airfields, contending that ministers had neglected to “champion Scotland’s interests” despite frequent allegations of Scots law being infringed.
Addressing the assembly during the discourse regarding the deployment of American military planes at Prestwick Airport, Greer described the exchange as “unreal.” He faulted other political groups for, in his estimation, shying away from explicit censure of US President Donald Trump. He implied certain MSPs were hesitant even to utter Trump’s name, quipping that peers might have been apprehensive about the perception of their comments by American authorities.
Greer asserted that the Scottish Government’s strategy constituted an inability to safeguard Scottish interests, stating that government officials had “no tangible results” from attempts to forge a connection with Trump and reproaching them for declining to address if the present American government upheld Scottish principles. He also disputed assertions presented earlier in the discussion by the Scottish Government that Holyrood lacked the power to curtail military air travel, contending that Prestwick had previously prohibited Israeli military aircraft, which he said showcased an example for limiting entry.
Greer reproached Labour and Conservative MSPs for hypocrisy, stating it was “peculiar” to hear pro-union legislators champion an overseas armed force that he alleged had infringed Scottish legislation and disregarded a directive from the Court of Session during a recent occurrence concerning the apprehension of persons from a vessel in Scottish waters. He characterized the predicament as “not merely deference to Westminster, but subordination to the White House,” further stating he considered it “utterly peculiar” that politicians who often discussed legality and public safety seemed disinclined to insist on repercussions.
Greer further contended that partners ought to be judged by stricter criteria than opponents, asserting that if America was regarded as a confederate, it should be anticipated to adhere completely to both national and global statutes. Citing Professor Phillips O’Brien, Greer cautioned that the United States had “changed allegiance” tactically in 2025, and remarked that it was unsettling that a nation he alleged was currently aiding Russia was utilizing Prestwick as an “unofficial military installation” with over 500 air movements within the last twelve months.
He implored SNP MSPs to re-evaluate their stance and support the Green Party’s proposal, contending that Scotland possessed an ethical duty to react if a confederate deployed Scottish resources in manners that infringed legislation or infringed upon human entitlements.
Greer stated the Scottish Government possessed a chance to demonstrate that repercussions would follow for infringing Scottish legislation, further remarking that any government asserting to champion Scotland should be ready to respond appropriately.
Angus Robertson had previously remarked:
“The US stands as our confederate. The ties of camaraderie between the populace of Scotland and America are profound. Let me be explicit, however: the US Air Force possesses no installation at Glasgow Prestwick airport, has not maintained one since 1966, and has no staff stationed at the airport. Glasgow Prestwick airport does not dictate the directive, endpoint or objective of any aircraft utilizing its amenities. Rather, it furnishes regulated aeronautical support in conformity with UK statutes, global aeronautical benchmarks, and enduring accords among confederate countries.
Occasionally, comrades and confederates behave in manners we disapprove of, and we diverged profoundly from the US concerning Greenland, voicing opposition to menaces of financial compulsion. We will not waver in reiterating that stance while upholding bonds of camaraderie and kinship with the US. We acknowledge our rapport will face challenges, and we will persist in advocating for Scotland’s welfare and principles. It is not astonishing to any legislator present that I endorse Scotland achieving independent nationhood. This would entail the capacity to formulate our distinct defense and security strategies and to underscore our unity with adjacent nations and pact associates, including the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, as a country not hosting nuclear armaments, akin to our Nordic counterparts. It would also enable this Legislature and Administration to dictate the deployment of our armed forces and non-military aerial amenities, along with other sites.
Legislators are cognizant of my history of drawing attention to the Council of Europe regarding the presumed utilization of aerodromes for extraordinary rendition journeys, and I comprehend entirely why possessing legal authority over flight access holds pertinence and significance. Nevertheless, currently, external relations, military, homeland safety, and air travel policy authorities are all exclusively delegated to the United Kingdom Parliament and its Administration.
The Green Party motion seems to encourage us to contemplate actions in defiance of the Scotland Act 1998, which, manifestly, we would be incapable of executing. My proposed alteration would, conversely, reassert our pledge—throughout the entire assembly, I trust—to uphold national and global jurisprudence and the order founded on regulations, pertinent to the instance of the lately intercepted Russian covert fleet vessel; our pledge to endorse Greenland’s destiny as decided by Greenland and Denmark; and our dedication to Ukraine and an equitable resolution its populace deems acceptable.”