Swinney Condemns 'Juvenile' Conduct in Airport Security Dispute
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has launched a scathing attack on Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, labelling his behaviour as "juvenile" in a heated exchange over the US military's use of a Scottish airport. The row centres on information sharing about America's operation to seize a Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
Alexander's Claim of Offered Briefing Rejected
During a visit to the Leonardo factory in Edinburgh with Defence Secretary John Healey, Douglas Alexander stated that he had personally offered to brief John Swinney on the US military's use of Wick John O'Groats airport. This airport was utilised during the operation to capture the Marinera tanker, which was later moored in Scottish waters.
Alexander emphasised: "I personally offered a briefing to John Swinney, the First Minister, in relation to the use of Wick airport – that hasn't been accepted. But these issues are far, far too important to be subject to party politics."
Swinney's Furious Response to 'None of My Business' Letter
However, John Swinney provided a starkly different account, revealing that Alexander's letter effectively told him the matter was "none of my business." The First Minister expressed his profound dissatisfaction with the Scottish Secretary's correspondence, which he described as containing juvenile content.
Swinney explained to reporters at the Scottish Parliament: "I wrote to the Prime Minister asking for a detailed briefing about the Marinera, and also for all issues that are relevant from a UK Government perspective, to be taken forward in full agreement and dialogue with the law officers of Scotland."
He continued: "I got a reply from Douglas Alexander which basically told me that this whole issue was none of my business. So if that's what Mr Alexander is suggesting, is an invitation to dialogue, I suggest he goes and redrafts his letters before he sends them to me."
Broader Concerns About Communication and Security
The First Minister highlighted significant concerns about the flow of communication between the Scottish and UK governments on matters of national security. While affirming his commitment to contributing to Scotland's and the wider UK's national security, Swinney lamented the difficulties in engaging with Westminster on crucial issues.
"I could do with a bit more assistance in the UK Government in the process," Swinney stated, "because the UK Government is incredibly difficult to engage on significant issues of national security, as in recent days, such as on the MV Marinera tanker, where the flow of communication between the Scottish and UK governments has been absolutely appalling."
Contrasting Views on Devolution and Responsibility
Douglas Alexander referenced the Scotland Act, which established devolution, noting that defence and foreign affairs remain reserved matters for the UK Government. He asserted: "As a committed devolutionist, Scotland has two governments with respective and discrete responsibilities."
The Scottish Government later released the letter Alexander sent to Swinney on January 15, which argued that briefing Scottish ministers in advance about the operation, including when the vessel entered Scottish waters, would have been inappropriate. The letter concluded with an offer to discuss the issue further.
Prime Minister's Intervention and Resolution
Following his dissatisfaction with Alexander's response, Swinney wrote again to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, expressing disappointment that the initial reply had not come from the Prime Minister's office. He criticised the justification of operational security for rejecting advance briefings as inadequate, particularly noting that Wick airport is owned by the Scottish Government.
Prime Minister Starmer responded on January 21, committing the UK Government to work with the Scottish Government "where there are devolved equities or matters of Scots Law" and confirming that ministers had now been briefed on the matter.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between the Scottish and UK governments over information sharing and jurisdictional boundaries in matters of national security and defence operations affecting Scottish territory.
