Stirling Observer

Lib-Dems: Investment is key

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The Liberal Democrat candidate contesting the Stirling seat at the General Election believes the area is suffering from a health service staffing crisis brought on by Brexit.

Fayzan Rehman made the claim as he outlined the party’s key manifesto policies.

Mr Rehman said: “Stirling’s constituen­ts demand that its MP represents their views. An overwhelmi­ng number of Stirling’s constituen­ts neither want a damaging Brexit with borders in the Irish Sea and the English Channel, nor do they want independen­ce-induced austerity with a hard border at Gretna Green.

“If Brexit could not untangle 40 years of cooperatio­n, imagine trying to cut through 400 years of integratio­n.

“The Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit and by doing so there will be a £50 billion ‘Remain bonus’.

Without increased borrowing, we’ll invest in public services and start reducing inequality in our society. Tackling the climate emergency by generating 80 per cent of UK electricit­y from renewables by 2030, the Liberal Democrats will end fuel poverty in Scottish homes by 2025. Public transport will reduce carbon emissions, but needs overhaulin­g to meet the needs of residents in the rural communitie­s of Stirling.”

He believes Brexit has worsened a “staffing crisis” in GP surgeries across Stirling and at Forth Valley Royal Hospital and is concerned about the number of drug deaths and suicides in Forth Valley.

Mr Rehman also wants mental health issues to be treated with the same urgency as physical health matters.

“Mental health treatment time targets have been missed for years, with some children waiting for more than a year,” he added.

“Vital local services for our most vulnerable residents are at risk. It’s shameful that the UK now depends on food banks to support families in need.

“The Liberal Democrats will build a fairer economy, helping working families with extended free childcare combined with investment­s in Scottish schools and nurseries.”

 ??  ?? ‘Remain bonus’ Liberal-Democrat candidate Fayzan Rehman
‘Remain bonus’ Liberal-Democrat candidate Fayzan Rehman

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