Greens accuse Scottish Government of subservience

Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer accused the Scottish Government of “subservience to the White House” during a Holyrood debate on the United States military’s use of Scottish airports, claiming ministers had failed to “stand up for Scotland” despite repeated claims that Scots law had been breached.

Speaking during the debate on Prestwick Airport’s use by US military aircraft, Greer said the discussion had been “surreal” and criticised other parties for, in his view, avoiding direct criticism of US President Donald Trump. He suggested some MSPs were reluctant even to mention Trump by name, joking that colleagues may have been concerned about how their remarks might be viewed by US officials.

Greer claimed the Scottish Government’s approach amounted to a failure to defend Scotland’s interests, saying ministers had “nothing to show” for efforts to build a relationship with Trump and accusing them of refusing to answer whether the current US administration shared Scottish values. He also challenged claims made earlier in the debate by the Scottish Government that Holyrood lacked authority to restrict military flights, arguing that Prestwick had previously banned Israeli military aircraft, which he said demonstrated a precedent for restricting access.

Greer accused Labour and Conservative MSPs of double standards, saying it was “bizarre” to hear unionist politicians defend a foreign military which he claimed had breached Scots law and ignored an order of the Court of Session during a recent incident involving the seizure of individuals from a tanker in Scottish waters. He described the situation as “not just subservience to Westminster, but subservience to the White House,” adding that he found it “absolutely bizarre” that politicians who frequently spoke about law and order appeared unwilling to demand consequences.

Greer also argued that allies should be held to a higher standard than adversaries, stating that if the US was considered an ally, it should be expected to comply fully with both domestic and international law. Quoting Professor Phillips O’Brien, Greer warned that the United States had “switched sides” strategically in 2025, and said it was concerning that a state he claimed was now helping Russia was using Prestwick as a “de facto military base” with more than 500 flights in the past year.

He urged SNP MSPs to reconsider their position and back the Green motion, arguing that Scotland had a moral obligation to respond if an ally used Scottish assets in ways that breached law or violated human rights.

Greer said the Scottish Government had an opportunity to show that there were consequences for breaching Scots law, adding that any administration claiming to stand up for Scotland should be prepared to act accordingly.

Angus Robertson had previously said:

“The US is our ally. The bonds of friendship between the people of Scotland and the US run deep. I will be clear, however: the US Air Force does not have a base at Glasgow Prestwick airport, has not operated one since 1966 and does not have any personnel based at the airport. Glasgow Prestwick airport does not determine the policy, destination or mission of any aircraft using facilities there. Instead, it provides regulated aviation services in line with UK law, international aviation standards and long-standing agreements between allied nations.

Sometimes, friends and allies act in ways with which we disagree, and we disagreed fundamentally with the US in relation to Greenland and we spoke against threats of economic coercion. We will not hesitate to restate that position while maintaining ties of friendship and family with the US. We recognise that our relationship will be tested, and we will continue to speak out in support of Scotland’s interests and Scotland’s values. It is no surprise to any member in the chamber that I support Scotland becoming a sovereign state. That would involve the ability to determine our own defence and security policy and to underline our solidarity with neighbours and treaty partners, including the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, as a non-nuclear-hosting nation just like our Nordic neighbours. It would also allow this Parliament and Government to determine the use of our military and civilian air facilities and other facilities.

Members will be aware of my track record in highlighting to the Council of Europe the suspected use of airports for rendition flights, and I fully understand why having legal agency in landing rights for flights is relevant and important. However, at present, foreign affairs, defence, national security and air transport policy powers are all reserved to the United Kingdom Parliament and the UK Government.

The Green Party motion appears to invite us to consider taking steps in contravention of the Scotland Act 1998, which, clearly, we would not be able to do. The amendment in my name would, instead, reaffirm our commitment—across the whole chamber, I would hope—to support domestic and international law and the rules-based order, which is relevant in the case of the recently interdicted Russian shadow fleet vessel; our commitment to support the future of Greenland determined by Greenland and Denmark; and our commitment to Ukraine and a just peace to which its people are agreeable.”