PHILIPPA Whitford has laid out the disastrous consequences of Brexit for the Scottish NHS.
Speaking at Arran High School Theatre, the SNP MP explained her immense frustration with the UK Government and shared fears of crippling medicine shortages.
The renowned breast cancer surgeon also highlighted the threat of Donald Trump and explained why the case for independence has never been stronger.
On her work in the Commons, Whitford said: “I’ve spent three years trying to get the health benefits of Brexit on the [UK] Government’s agenda.
“I’ve been ignored, I’ve been patronised, I’ve had a load of cheek in the chamber. And now of course you’ll have seen the Yellowhammer report which literally lists all the things that I’ve been talking about for the last three years.”
LISTEN: Wee Ginger Dugcast: Brexit, the NHS and indyref2 with Dr Philippa Whitford
The MP went on to make the case for Scotland taking control of immigration, warning that the nation’s working-age population is falling.
She said: “We need more people to come to Scotland, whether from Europe or wider afield.”
Tory plans to cut immigration, she added, will be “absolutely disastrous” for Scotland.
On independence, Whitford compared remaining in the UK to being trapped in the boot of Boris Johnson’s car and urged Scots to “climb into the driver’s seat”.
She said: “Saying No and sticking to the status quo looked like a big bright motorway – ‘I know what this is, this is fine, I’m sticking with this’.
“Independence looked like a wee turn-off, a wee country road with lots of tress, no street lights – ‘I’m not sure about that’. And many people will have voted No, purely for that reason.”
READ MORE: Brexit risk highlighted amid biggest lack of NHS staff since 2007
Whitford added: “Well the status quo doesn’t exist anymore. We’re simply at the fork in the road. And this time, there are not multiple choices, there are only two choices: the upheaval and chaos of Brexit, or the upheaval of independence.
“And the difference is, if we choose to remain in the UK, we’re stuck in the boot of Boris’ car with duct tape over our mouths. Or we can climb into the driver’s seat, choose our own path and make our own decisions.”
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