What happened
PRESTWICK Airport is not being used by the US to launch military strikes, the UK Government has said. John Swinney had previously said he would "consider" banning US military aircraft if it was confirmed they were involved in strikes on Iran. The First Minister said he had sought clarification from the UK Government as to the purpose of the US Air Force planes which have been landing in Prestwick . It comes after the Scottish Greens said a total of 24 US military flights landed at Prestwick Airport in the week leading up to Trump’s bombing of Iran , including at least one that came from Israel.
Key details
The National contacted the Ministry of Defence for clarification on Saturday. A spokesperson stated that Prestwick "is not being used by the US to launch military strikes". READ MORE: Scottish professor dies in plane crash in Namibia as tributes pour in The purpose of the US aircraft which have landed at Prestwick remains unclear – particularly whether they have gone on to take part in the military operation from another location. The National has contacted the US military for clarification.
Why it matters
It is understood that because Prestwick Airport is a civilian airport, which is owned by the Scottish Government , the support it could theoretically offer would be limited to refuelling a US asset in transit.
