Former PM blasts SNP record on NHS cash
Gordon Brown has called for an independent review into the long-term future of the NHS in Scotland and accused the Scottish Government of having “shortchanged” the service over the past decade. The former Prime Minister has claimed the SNP administration at Holyrood is more concerned about Scottish independence than with “worrying about our NHS”, and said ministers are offering health funding growth that is half that seen in England.
He made the call ahead of the Scottish Government’s Budget on December 12, which he described as an opportunity to “undo some of the damage”.
The SNP hit out at what it described as “hypocrisy” from the former PM and Chancellor.
Mr Brown said the NHS takes up around 40% of the Scottish Government’s budget, but added: “No one will tell you that the NHS merits 40% of the Scottish Government’s attention.” The SNP accused Mr Brown of “utter hypocrisy”, stating that he had imposed a legacy of toxic PFI contracts on our public services, including the NHS, when he was Chancellor.
The party also stated that under the SNP, NHS staffing had gone up by over 12,000 and that health funding is at “record levels”.