Chamber and committees

I have not had such discussions, but Mr Choudhury’s question raises concerns that I would share with him. If he can forward any information about specific incidents that I am not aware of, I will most certainly bring that up in conversation with, among others, the culture conveners of local authorities. We are trying to work closely on cultural provision, and that seems exactly the kind of issue on which we need to have an active dialogue.

Constitutional work includes work on a range of issues, including intergovernmental relations, the British-Irish Council, legislative consent, elections and constitutional reform. Details of the funding allocated to each ministerial portfolio in both financial years were published in the respective budgets.

All books that are published in this country are available in the National Library of Scotland, and Mark Griffin makes an important point about keeping and preserving local history, particularly regarding tragedies and the loss of life.

There is also a wider question about the promotion of important works, as Mark Griffin has described. I would be happy to discuss the matter further with him to explore whether there is anything else that can be done in relation to that question.

I am glad that the Greens have finally raised Ukraine and Russia in the debate. I will come on to the United States in a moment.

Next week, as I mentioned, it will be four years since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia predicted victory within days. Now, almost four years later, Ukraine continues its heroic fight for its survival, and Scotland has welcomed many displaced families who have sought refuge here. As a Parliament, time and again, we have stood with the people of Ukraine in defiance of aggression. I ask the Parliament to once again affirm its support for Ukraine and for international law and to condemn the devastation that has been caused by Russia.

If we accept the principles of international law, we must support action where that law is flouted. Regimes that undermine the rule of law and illegally invade their neighbours should face consequences. It is therefore correct that Russia faces sanctions. This Government therefore supports the UK Government’s action against Russia’s shadow fleet—a fleet that prolongs the suffering by financing Russia’s aggression. I believe in international co-operation in partnership with our allies. That is founded on the belief that, if we want to maintain a rules-based international order, we must ourselves abide by those rules.

I will not take an intervention at this time. I have already taken one.

There is no doubt that the Maduro regime in Venezuela was illegitimate. However, as the First Minister has said, it is hard to see how international law has been respected. I also recognise that recent statements by the US Government about Greenland have risked destabilising the international order. Across history, smaller nations have been exposed to threats from more powerful nations. In that case, a strong and unified response saw European nations stand behind the principles of sovereignty and self-determination, and that unity has produced results.

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—

I have already said that I am not taking further interventions.

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 Organization, 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.

I move amendment S6M-20819.3, to leave out from “strongly” to end and insert:

“supports Scots law, international law and the rules-based order; respects the future of Greenland as a matter for the people of Greenland and Denmark; is unwavering in its solidarity with and support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion; supports international sanctions against the Putin regime and the interdiction of its shadow fleet, and encourages the international community to secure a just peace acceptable to Ukraine.”

15:09

I thank colleagues for their contributions to the debate.

I am reminded of the fact that, as many members have said, it is almost four years to the day since Russia’s full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine, which reminds us of the importance of global co-operation and the need for international law. It is right and proper that we can discuss such issues in Scotland’s national Parliament.

The Scottish Government and, I believe, all parties in the Parliament resolutely condemn Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, as we have done since its invasion. We have a continuing commitment to achieving a strong, just and durable peace that ensures that Ukraine has a secure future and that deters any future Russian aggression.

We would back a properly constituted international peace plan that respects Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, that is agreed by Ukraine and that restores peace in Europe. The Scottish Government remains absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine, not only until a just peace is secured, but through recovery and reconstruction to a brighter future beyond.

I will briefly respond to points that have been made in the debate. Concern has been raised about the actions taken in relation to the MV Bella 1, which is currently in Scottish waters. The First Minister made it clear in his statement to the Parliament that, although the Bella 1 was in Scottish waters, at no point were the UK or Scottish authorities in control of the vessel, and the Scottish authorities had no legal basis whatsoever for boarding the vessel at any time. The Scottish Government was informed that the two individuals had been removed from the Bella 1 by the United States after—not before—they had been removed from the vessel.

I will in a second; I just want to finish this point.

The presence of the Bella 1 in Scottish waters emphasises the fact that international events directly impact on the responsibilities of the Scottish Government.

Claire Baker raises excellent suggestions to make the most of that important anniversary, domestically—of course, in Kirkcaldy in the first instance—and internationally. There is tremendous potential in that. I have shared examples of where funding might be accessed for the year, but I want to satisfy myself that, across Government agencies, and working with local authority partners, including Fife Council, every opportunity is considered to make the most of this important anniversary year.

I have not had such discussions, but Mr Choudhury’s question raises concerns that I would share with him. If he can forward any information about specific incidents that I am not aware of, I will most certainly bring that up in conversation with, among others, the culture conveners of local authorities. We are trying to work closely on cultural provision, and that seems exactly the kind of issue on which we need to have an active dialogue.