Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander has publicly stated that First Minister John Swinney declined an offer for a briefing regarding the military utilisation of a Scottish airport. The claim was made on Thursday during a joint visit with Defence Secretary John Healey to the Leonardo manufacturing facility in Edinburgh.
Tensions Over Defence and Devolution
This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened sensitivity concerning security matters affecting Scottish territory. Earlier this month, Mr Swinney expressed that he would have anticipated the Scottish Government being "fully sighted" on issues impacting Scotland's waters, following the US seizure of a Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
The First Minister also voiced being "deeply concerned" when the Russian-flagged vessel Marinera, previously known as Bella-1, was taken to the Moray Firth for replenishment while under US military escort. Prior to this operation, American special operations aircraft were observed at Wick John O'Groats airport, alongside various other military planes across Scotland.
Alexander's Direct Offer
Addressing journalists, Mr Alexander emphasised the constitutional framework, stating: "The Scotland Act is very clear that defence and foreign affairs are reserved matters. And as a committed devolutionist, Scotland has two governments with respective and discrete responsibilities."
He revealed a personal initiative, saying: "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." The Scottish Secretary clarified that this offer was formally extended via letter the previous week but remains unaccepted.
Healey's Call for Partnership
Defence Secretary John Healey concurrently expressed his desire for the Scottish Government to function as a "firm, strong, reliable government partner for the UK Government" on defence matters. He further criticised the SNP-led administration for what he described as a failure to adequately invest in skills development within the defence sector.
When questioned about former US President Donald Trump's rhetoric concerning Greenland, Mr Healey affirmed that NATO unity remains steadfast in efforts to protect the high north. He stated: "Our military and security co-operation – and the closeness of that co-operation – with the US, with Norway and with other NATO allies as needed to protect the North Atlantic and the high north is as strong as ever and it will continue."
This episode underscores ongoing frictions between the UK and Scottish governments over the demarcation of reserved versus devolved powers, particularly in areas intersecting national security and local oversight.
