First Minister John Swinney has launched a scathing attack on Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, labelling his conduct as "juvenile" in a heated dispute over the US military's use of a Scottish airport. The row centres on information sharing about American forces utilising Wick John O'Groats airport during an operation to seize a Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
Communication Breakdown Over Security Matters
The conflict erupted when Mr Alexander claimed he had offered to brief the First Minister about America's use of Wick airport during the capture of the Marinera tanker, which was later moored in Scottish waters. However, Mr Swinney strongly refuted this characterisation, stating the Scottish Secretary's correspondence effectively told him "this whole issue was none of my business."
Contrasting Accounts of Dialogue Offers
Speaking during a visit to the Leonardo factory in Edinburgh alongside Defence Secretary John Healey, Mr Alexander asserted: "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."
In stark contrast, Mr Swinney told reporters at the Scottish Parliament that he had written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer requesting detailed information about the Marinera incident and seeking assurance that all relevant UK Government matters would proceed through proper dialogue with Scotland's law officers, who hold legal responsibilities while the tanker remains in Scottish waters.
"Juvenile Content" and Subsequent Resolution
The First Minister expressed profound dissatisfaction with Mr Alexander's response, describing it as containing "juvenile content" that prompted him to write again directly to the Prime Minister. "I've now had a reply from the Prime Minister which offers me the dialogue and security information that I believe is necessary for the First Minister of Scotland to have and I will pursue that," Mr Swinney confirmed.
Broader Concerns About Intergovernmental Relations
Mr Swinney emphasised his commitment to contributing to both Scottish and wider UK national security but voiced significant frustration with current engagement processes. "I could do with a bit more assistance from the UK Government in the process, because the UK Government is incredibly difficult to engage on significant issues of national security," he stated.
The SNP leader specifically highlighted the "absolutely appalling" communication flow between Scottish and UK governments regarding the MV Marinera tanker incident, underscoring systemic problems in intergovernmental coordination on security matters affecting Scotland.
Operational Details and Constitutional Positions
Ahead of the operation to seize the Russian-flagged vessel – previously known as Bella-1 – American special operations planes were observed at Wick airport alongside various other military aircraft across Scotland. Mr Swinney had previously stated he would expect the Scottish Government to be "fully sighted" on security issues impacting Scotland's waters, expressing "deep concern" when the Marinera was taken to the Moray Firth for replenishment under US military escort.
Mr Alexander countered by referencing constitutional arrangements, noting: "The Scotland Act – which established devolution – was very clear that defence and foreign affairs are reserved matters. And as a committed devolutionist, Scotland has two governments with respective and discrete responsibilities."
Implications for Devolution and Security Cooperation
This public spat reveals deeper tensions in the post-devolution relationship between Edinburgh and Westminster, particularly regarding how reserved matters like defence intersect with devolved responsibilities. The incident raises important questions about:
- The practical implementation of information-sharing protocols between governments
- The balance between reserved UK powers and Scottish ministerial awareness of operations affecting Scottish territory
- The tone and effectiveness of intergovernmental communication on sensitive security matters
- The operational realities of devolution when international military activities occur within Scottish jurisdiction
As both governments navigate these complex constitutional waters, the Wick airport incident serves as a case study in the ongoing challenges of multi-level governance in the United Kingdom, particularly when international security operations intersect with domestic political arrangements.
