John Swinney Backs US Tanker Seizure Amid MSP Row

John Swinney backed the US seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera after pro-independence MSPs urged him to condemn Donald Trump’s “gangsterism and piracy” and demand safeguards for Scottish infrastructure.The US Navy and US Coast Guard intercepted the ship between Iceland and Scotland following a two-week pursuit that began in the Caribbean, with reports that aircraft involved landed at Benbecula and Wick John O’Groats.Swinney said he supported “international collaboration” to enforce Russia-related sanctions over Ukraine while casting doubt that Scottish airports were used, as the Scottish Greens pressed for assurances and UK forces were reported to have assisted planning and surveillance.