The SNP is attempting to shift blame for failing to prevent a private plane from departing the UK for Russia after a flying ban was enforced, according to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
Boris Johnson was questioned by SNP MP Richard Thompson yesterday on why the flight from Inverness to Moscow was permitted to take off on February 26.
Mr Shapps, however, told that it was ultimately the SNP’s fault because despite a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) stating that the flight should not be permitted to depart, the airport allowed the jet to depart nonetheless – and the Scottish government is in charge of airports in Scotland.
He stated that the UK government had announced a ban on flights to Russia at the time, but that it had not yet become law, but that the NOTAM should have been followed.
“Unfortunately, the SNP government is a bit embarrassed about ignoring the NOTAM and as a result, they’re looking around for somebody else to blame,” he said.
“It shouldn’t have happened, we sent a notice the next day saying it shouldn’t have happened.
“It was right at the beginning and the airport shouldn’t have allowed it to happen, the SNP are trying to muddy the waters and confuse things.
“I’m a pilot and have a pilot’s license, I have to adhere to NOTAMs, it’s my responsibility to properly apply the NOTAM – any pilot will tell you that.”
