Stevenson Calls on Cameron to protect NHS from TTIP

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, has pledged to fight for Scotland’s NHS by calling on Prime Minister David Cameron to use his veto to protect the NHS from the effects of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

SNP MSPs led by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have signed Unite’s pledge to demand that David Cameron takes action against TTIP unless the NHS is “fully and clearly exempted” from the agreement.

Mr Stevenson said:

“I believe in protecting the NHS from privatisation so that it remains in the hands of the people of Scotland, and answerable to them. This is why we are calling on the Prime Minister to veto any agreement where TTIP does not explicitly exempt the NHS.

“The NHS is vitally important to the people of Scotland and we want to be clear that we are fighting for this invaluable institution, and that it is protected. This is one of the SNP’s main priorities in our Westminster campaign. We want to make sure that we gain enough clout to protect our budget from the Westminster agenda of austerity, patient charging and privatisation.

“I am proud to sign this pledge.”