TORY AUSTERITY DRIVING DOWN HEALTH IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN

WESTMINSTER CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY HAVE BEEN ‘CATASTROPHIC’ FOR SCOTS’ HEALTH
 
People across Midlothian and East Lothian are suffering as a result of Tory cuts which have been slammed as ‘catastrophic’ in a new report by top researchers.
 
The Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) found that people in Scotland feel their health is deteriorating from a younger age than previously. The study found that people in Scotland started to feel their health decline from age 46, a decline from 51 in 2009.
 
Dr David Walsh from GCPH described the finding as ‘terrifying’ and laid the blame squarely at the door of the Tory UK government and its cuts to social security payments. Dr Walsh also commented that ‘this should not be happening in a wealthy country like the UK’.
 
Commenting SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie said:
“This report lays bare the appalling record of this callous Tory UK government as they continually slash support from those in Midlothian and East Lothian that need it most.
 
“People in Midlothian and East Lothian should not be feeling their health decline earlier than they did a decade ago - we are a wealthy country that can look after our citizens but sadly Westminster control is resulting in this devastating reality.
 
“While I’m very glad the SNP Scottish Government has introduced a number of social security payments to support households across Scotland, including the ‘game-changing’ Scottish Child Payment, we are continuing to act with one-hand tied behind our back by a UK Tory government that removes support at time when people need it most.
 
“These conclusions also come out just a week after another Glasgow University study that has found that UK Tory austerity is causing people to die younger - report after report highlighting the brutal consequences of Westminster control
 
“We can, and must, do better. It is beyond doubt now that we need the full powers of independence so we can build fairer, more equal society for everyone in Midlothian, East Lothian and right across Scotland.”