SNP to Propose Bill Protecting NHS from Privatisation
Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader at Westminster, has announced plans to introduce a Bill aimed at protecting the NHS from privatisation within 100 days of the General Election. Flynn expressed disappointment with both Labour and the Conservatives, claiming they support extensive privatisation of the health sector. The proposed "Keep The NHS In Public Hands Bill" seeks to safeguard the NHS.
Flynn's remarks have been strongly contested by Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman, Dame Jackie Baillie, who criticized the SNP’s proposal as hypocritical, attributing existing NHS issues in Scotland to the SNP's governance. Baillie highlighted rising waiting times and an increase in private healthcare usage, accusing the SNP of mismanaging Scotland's health services.
Flynn argued that the Bill would prevent the UK government from privatizing the NHS or compromising its principles and protections in future trade deals. He emphasized that the real solution to NHS problems lies in ending Westminster austerity, not privatisation.
Scottish Labour vowed continued support for the NHS, with Baillie pledging an additional £134 million annually for Scotland's health service under a Labour government. Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr. Sandesh Gulhane also criticized the SNP, attributing current NHS challenges, including long wait times and service closures, to their longstanding governance.