SNP GOVERNMENT YEARS AHEAD OF WESTMINSTER ON HOSPITAL CAR PARK CHARGES

SNP GOVERNMENT YEARS AHEAD OF WESTMINSTER ON HOSPITAL CAR PARK CHARGES

LONDON LABOUR PLAYING CATCH-UP WITH SCOTLAND

Following the announcement by UK health minister Andy Burnham MP on hospital car park charges, Glasgow MSP Bob Doris has highlighted how far the Westminster Labour administration is trailing behind the SNP Government.

Andy Burnham announced at the Labour party conference that Labour may support parking fees being waived but only for hospital patients staying overnight – a long way short of what the Scottish Government has already delivered.

Commenting, Bob Doris said:

“In England, Labour are trying and failing to play catch up to the SNP. This plan falls a long way short on what our Government in Holyrood has already delivered. Andy Burnham says that he will eliminate the cost for inpatients – we have already done so for all patients, staff and visitors at all publicly owned hospitals.

“And in Scotland, a Labour MSP is bringing forward a Bill to remove charges from the three PFI hospitals - which would cost tens of millions thanks to Labour's support for PFI - while his own party in government at Westminster is proposing a fraction of what the SNP government has delivered. It is just Labour hypocrisy north and south of the Border.

“Labour have let down hospital patients, staff and visitors, both here and in England.”