Hmmm. We shall see. And in a loyal addition she said: “I think John Swinney has been very clear in terms of his approach to these issues.’
Really? I reckon most people would reckon that the First Minister was as clear as mud on the matter. As far as this observer can tell he still supports Sturgeon.
He’s also in trouble over who’s responsible for Scotland’s NHS crisis, at all times claiming that Labour is planning to bring in a two-tier health service. But now a leading doctor has said that it’s actually his government to blame.
On the NHS he insists that an incoming Keir Starmer government is planning an £18 billion whammy of spending cuts and/or tax rises, and predicts that Scots will all, soon, be paying for medical treatment should Labour win.
However, instead of blaming Starmer for making this betrayal of the NHS a probability, Swinney might see the real culprit for Scotland being forced to accept a two-tier health service if he looks in the mirror.
Forced to pay for treatment
The responsibility lies with him and his SNP government. It is their maladministration of the NHS that is forcing more and more people to pay for their own medical treatment when faced with often incredibly long waits.
This is not a party political barb thrown at the SNP during a heated election campaign but the sober view of Dr Iain Kennedy, chairman of the British Medical Association in Scotland.
Addressing a BMA conference in Belfast, he said that Scotland’s NHS was in a state of “permanent crisis” and that it was “sleepwalking” towards the growth of a two-tier healthcare system was “beyond question”.
Dr Kennedy said that in the year since he last addressed the BMA conference 58,000 patients had waited more than 12 hours for treatment in accident and emergency departments.
But he added that the Scottish Government’s plans lacked clarity and urgency, pointing out that long waits were forcing those who can afford it, to go private.
He said: “A two-tier health service in Scotland is now beyond question. If you can stump up the cash then you can get the care you need.”
Difficult times for the SNP leader but then elections are not supposed to be easy.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
