The Ukrainian Government specifically requested humanitarian assistance for the healthcare of its citizens and provided a list of requirements, which the Scottish Government looked at in order to source via the national health service.

The medical equipment was transported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, an established humanitarian aid partner, to assist hospitals throughout the war-torn country. The equipment was provided as official development assistance, which cannot be spent on military aid, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Scotland, along with the United Kingdom as a whole, adheres to that rule.

The Scottish Government fully supports Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s illegal invasion and, alongside the UK Government, has provided direct aid for Ukraine’s defence.

The first thing to acknowledge is that Prestwick is an excellent airport, which is why it is used for both civil and military purposes. It is fair to say that the militaries of different countries often use bases; if they are dealing with military materiel, they tend to fly from one military base to another. In the UK, there are two bases that are operated by the Royal Air Force that have a significant US Air Force presence. That being said, as I have already said, Prestwick is used by the air forces of allied countries, which is entirely appropriate.

However, given the very legitimate concerns about what has been going on in the middle east, it is unsurprising to me that colleagues want to understand how we are operating things and that we are doing so as best as we possibly can; I, too, am keen to understand as much as I can.

Jamie Greene is absolutely right that Prestwick is an excellent airport that serves both civil and military flights.

I would have to check the status of memoranda of understanding, but I am not aware of any. However, Stephen Kerr will appreciate that it is a matter of public record that Prestwick airport is used by the United States Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force and a number of air forces from the middle east.

The topical question today specifically relates to the situation in Iran. I was able to give the member who lodged the question the assurance—which I also give Mr Kerr—that Prestwick was not used as part of those attacks on Iran.

However, facilities in Scotland are obviously used by our allies. Given the concerns of a great many people in this chamber and among the public about what is happening in Gaza in particular, it is entirely legitimate that we ensure that we do everything that we can to support peace and a resolution for the people of Gaza, and, as I have often said to Stephen Kerr, for the hostages who are being held by Hamas, who should be released.

I would have to check the status of memoranda of understanding, but I am not aware of any. However, Stephen Kerr will appreciate that it is a matter of public record that Prestwick airport is used by the United States Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force and a number of air forces from the middle east.

The topical question today specifically relates to the situation in Iran. I was able to give the member who lodged the question the assurance—which I also give Mr Kerr—that Prestwick was not used as part of those attacks on Iran.

However, facilities in Scotland are obviously used by our allies. Given the concerns of a great many people in this chamber and among the public about what is happening in Gaza in particular, it is entirely legitimate that we ensure that we do everything that we can to support peace and a resolution for the people of Gaza, and, as I have often said to Stephen Kerr, for the hostages who are being held by Hamas, who should be released.

I can confirm that issues relating to the conflict in the middle east, specifically around Gaza and Iran, were raised by the Scottish Government with the United Kingdom Government on 13 June at the British-Irish Council and, earlier today, by the First Minister with the Cabinet Office.

Carol Mochan will be aware that the recent United States military action in Iran was launched directly from American facilities in the USA and flights did not land in any other country, including Scotland. The UK Foreign Secretary said to the House of Commons yesterday that the UK had no involvement in the military action against Iran.

Carol Mochan will also be aware that the UK Government decides which flights can enter the UK. Ultimately, although the Scottish Government can—and does—make representations on the situation in Iran and related issues, those matters are the responsibility of the UK Government.

As Carol Mochan might appreciate, I have been keen to understand as much as I can about the issue. I can give her the assurance that I have not seen any information that would support any conclusion about the direct involvement of Scottish facilities in military attacks on Iran. As I have already shared with her, it is a matter of public record that those were conducted by the United States through direct flights that were refuelled in the air from bases in the United States of America, and which attacked Iran and returned without going to any other base.

I understand Carol Mochan’s more general point about Prestwick airport. If she has any information that would support her concern, I will be grateful to hear it.

We remain in dialogue with the United Kingdom Government. Carol Mochan’s party is in government in the UK; perhaps she would use her good offices to raise the issue with the responsible UK ministers. When it comes to devolved responsibilities, we will do everything that we can, but she will appreciate that there are limits.

I agree with Carol Mochan, and I appreciate the fact that she has taken the opportunity to cogently and persuasively make her case. We have a moral responsibility. I agree with her on that. Even if we can use only our voices, we should do so. As she knows, this Parliament does not have powers over foreign affairs. I would wish to change that; perhaps, in good time, I can persuade her that she should support that, too. In the meantime, we will use our voice to support peace and diplomacy.

The First Minister has made a number of statements that very much echo the position of the secretary general of the United Nations, António Guterres. We will repeat our view that we believe that only diplomacy will bring conflict to an end. I appreciate the way in which Carol Mochan has raised her questions this afternoon.

As I have pointed out to colleagues, Prestwick is a facility that is used for both civil and military flights. What is true for US aircraft using the facilities is true for aircraft from other allied air forces that also use what is an excellent airport. I foresee that continuing.

That being said, I am sure that the Presiding Officer would wish me to bring my remarks back to the actual subject, which relates to Iran. It is important to differentiate between the general use of a facility for military purposes and other use. However, I was able to give the chamber an assurance, because it is a matter of public record, that the American attacks on Iran took place from the United States of America and did not involve any military facilities in any other country, least of all Scotland.

Official records are taken of all official meetings.

I am talking about formal discussions.