EDM 1509: Scottish Government restrictions on NHS medical aid to Ukraine

That this House notes with concern that the Scottish Government placed restrictions on a donation of £800,000 worth of surplus NHS medical equipment to Ukraine, stipulating that it be used for civilian purposes only; further notes that this equipment, including ventilators, beds and oxygen concentrators, was requested by the Ukrainian Government for urgent medical use, including treating wounded soldiers near the front lines; regrets that Scottish Government officials sought assurance the aid would not be used in military hospitals, despite publicly declaring unqualified support for Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression; is concerned that this ideological restriction undermines practical efforts to save lives in Ukraine and fails to match the UK Government’s unequivocal support, which has included humanitarian, financial and military aid; further notes expert views that nothing in international rules prevented the Scottish Government from donating the equipment unconditionally; and calls on the Scottish Government to remove any such restrictive conditions on future medical aid to Ukraine and ensure that all humanitarian support is offered in a manner that best supports the Ukrainian people’s right to self-defence and survival.