Restart non-urgent operations as priority, says Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie has urged Nicola Sturgeon to prioritise “those suffering most” in lockdown ahead of the first minister’s anticipated announcement about how she plans to ease lockdown restrictions.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader is calling for non-urgent healthcare treatment to be among the first measures to be part of any lockdown lifting.

Mr Rennie said people with physical and mental health concerns are “paying the price of the lockdown” and argued they “should be among the first to benefit from the easing of the lockdown”.

“As we ease the lockdown, I urge the first minister to prioritise those suffering most at home, in isolation or trapped in hospital,” Mr Rennie said.

“We need to be cautious but, as the first minister acknowledged, we can’t remain locked in our own homes until a vaccine or cure arrives as that may be a very long time yet.

“For many, the health consequences of the lockdown are becoming more acute every day.

“People in physical pain, struggling with mental health issues or looking after those with learning difficulties are finding this the most difficult.”

He added: “The government needs to give them hope for the future and take steps to make their lives more bearable.

“That means restarting nonurgent operations in hospitals, allowing GPs to expand the range of support and allowing people with mental health issues and learning difficulties out more often.

“This needs to be done safely but while we protect people from the virus, we cannot ignore the plight of people suffering under the lockdown.”