Scottish leaders debate: Party bosses clash on cost of living, the NHS and independence

David Graham

11 months ago

Scottish leaders debate: Party bosses clash on cost of living, the NHS and independence – BBC News

Summary

The leaders of five of Scotland’s political parties go head to head in a special live BBC Scotland debate
John Swinney (SNP), Douglas Ross (Con), Anas Sarwar (Lab), Alex Cole-Hamilton (Lib-Dem) and Lorna Slater (Greens) will face questions from members of the public
The leaders clash on how to tackle the cost of living crisis for working families, the NHS and independence
John Swinney says austerity, Brexit and the cost of living crisis have been forced on Scotland by Westminster
Douglas Ross points the finger at the SNP for the strain on the NHS
Anas Sarwar says a Labour government would give an immediate cash injection to the health service
Lorna Slater calls on Scottish Labour to accept the people of Scotland should be able to decide on independence
Alex Cole-Hamilton says the public are fed up with both the SNP and Conservative governments
After the debate, you can watch more political analysis and reaction by clicking on the play icon at the top of the page
On the late Reporting Scotland programme, Alba leader Alex Salmond criticises the SNP for not putting enough emphasis on Scottish independence
David Kirkwood, Reform UK’s deputy chairman in Scotland, says the country has benefitted economically from Brexit
Scottish Family party leader Richard Lucas defends anti-abortion vigils and criticises the “transgender message” being taught in schools