Break in SNP ranks

HOW deeply embarrassing for the SNP that former health secretary Alex Neil has so little faith in the present incumbent, Shona Robison, that he has come up with his own radical plan to pump more money into the NHS.

Mr Neil proposes a new levy on hardpressed Scots, with the cash ring-fenced for the health service. It’s astonishing stuff from within a party that styles itself the ‘guardians of the NHS’ as it is an admission that current policy is failing.

Mr Neil, axed as health secretary in practically Nicola Sturgeon’s first act after taking on the mantle of First Minister, is a rare beast in the SNP. He is not afraid to speak out, a welcome contrast to the hivemind mentality of so many Nationalist politicians who have their opinions handed to them by the spin doctors.

It was Mr Neil who admitted he voted for Brexit, acknowledging what Miss Sturgeon will not – that many in the separatist camp see no point in repatriating powers from Westminster and Brussels only to later cede them back to the EU.

But for all his candour, Mr Neil is wrong about a health levy, not least because Scots are already bearing a heavy burden in terms of rising income tax and council tax.

And it is axiomatic that taxes always go up and go on – income tax was introduced as a ‘temporary measure’ to fund the fight against Napoleon.

No, the NHS simply cannot continue to have ever-more money hurled at it. Already it accounts for around 40 per cent of the Scottish Government’s budget. What is needed is reform so that existing millions are better spent. To deliver that will take a politician of vision and commitment, ready to tackle vested interests and to drive through urgent, fundamental change.

Is that politician dithering Miss Robison, forever drawing up plans and consulting – rarely implementing meaningful action? Little of her tenure thus far indicates so.