Swinney warns of ‘real damage’ to NHS if opposition MSPs block budget John Swinney has insisted there will be “real damage done” to the NHS if opposition MSPs block his budget – claiming this could see operations cancelled and medicines rationed.
A loss of £2 billion additional fudning planned for health care could also put planned pay rises for doctors and nurses “under threat” Mr Swinney said, adding that “strict” emergency spending limits that would have to be introduced if the budget is not approved could potentially even threaten the Government’s ability to keep the lights on.
And, while he stressed that ministers would “always seek to avoid the worst impact”, he said not passing the budget would “put at risk £2 billion of additional investment in the NHS causing a catastrophic reduction in service delivery”.
The Scottish First Minister warned of a “catastrophic reduction in service delivery” if Holyrood fails to pass the Government’s budget for the coming year.
Making his first speech of 2025, the SNP leader warned of the consequences to the NHS and beyond if opposition parties were to block the Budget Bill.
