As discredited ex British Prime Minister Tony Blair prepares for his Middle East peace initiative the Celtic League has not forgotten his governments disgraceful support for the aggression by Israel against Lebanon in which thousands were killed, injured and made homeless.
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot has been pressing the Scottish Executive about the use of Prestwick Airport to ferry munitions from the United States to Israel.
The weapons transit issue is a "reserved responsibility" say the Scottish Executive (see below). however such constitutional niceties will be scant comfort to the Lebanese victims of Israeli aggression.
"Scottish Executive Transport Directorate Transport Directorate Aviation, Ports and Mobility Division
Dear Mr Tal-e-bot
Thank you for your letter of 1st July to the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change about Glasgow Prestwick Airport. I have been asked to reply.
I wrote to you on 3rd April indicating that aviation and foreign affairs are both areas which are the reserved responsibility of the UK Government. That remains the position. As you are aware, the UK Government has procedures in place for flights carrying arms/defence equipment and these procedures must be followed. If they are not, it is for the UK Government to raise the matter with the United States or any country making such flights.
The relevant procedures are laid down in the Air Navigation (Dangerous Goods) Regulations and the Diplomatic Flights Clearance Procedures. I understand that the Department for Transport wrote to you in March explaining the policy on the transit of cargoes through UK airspace and airports.
I hope this is of some assistance.
Your sincerely
Grace McGuire Aviation Policy"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
09/08/07
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