Shannon cannot be used to fuel war
Shannon cannot be used to fuel war - The Labour Party
Labour’s foreign affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has today called on Government to take immediate action to protect Ireland’s neutrality following a surge in US military use of Shannon Airport and Irish airspace. New figures show that more than 3,000 US troops passed through Shannon in March, an 80 percent increase, in the wake of the Iran conflict. Deputy Smith said Government must urgently clarify the extent of US activity at Shannon and take steps to prevent Irish infrastructure from being used to facilitate war or human rights violations.
Deputy Smith said:
“It is deeply alarming that US troop numbers passing through Shannon have soared by 80 percent at a time of escalating international conflict. More than 3,000 troops moved through the airport in March alone. This raises serious and urgent questions about the Government’s role and responsibilities when it comes to protecting Ireland’s neutrality.
“Government has repeatedly denied facilitating US military operations, yet it continues to allow the use of Irish airspace and airports by US forces involved in active conflicts. It has also rejected calls from the Opposition to introduce restrictions similar to those adopted by Spain and Switzerland. That position is no longer tenable.
“It is unconscionable that an Irish airport could be used as an instrument to violate human rights. There are now credible reports that the US is using Shannon Airport as a stop off point for deportations. The Transport Minister must urgently set out in detail what is happening. If the Government is aware of the use of Shannon to expel migrants, then it represents continued complicity in the aggressive and illegal migration policies pursued by the Trump administration.
“Ireland cannot claim to stand for human rights and international law while turning a blind eye to what is happening on our own soil. Our neutrality is not symbolic. It must mean something in practice.”