Story perspectives

Scottish Leaders Debate NHS Wait Times and Immigration Needs

4/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Anas Sarwar (Scottish Labour leader) said 5,291 Scots wait two years for treatment, vs 300 in England, noting different recording methods.
Alex Cole-Hamilton (Scottish Liberal Democrat leader) said 800,000 Scots are on NHS waiting lists, according to Public Health Scotland's estimate of 578,804 waiting for treatment.
Ross Greer (Scottish Greens) called for increased immigration to address care worker shortages.
In a debate, John Swinney (SNP leader) criticized Labour's energy-cost promises.

1 of 1

Story summary

Anas Sarwar (Scottish Labour leader) said 5,291 Scots wait two years for treatment, vs 300 in England, noting different recording methods.
Alex Cole-Hamilton (Scottish Liberal Democrat leader) said 800,000 Scots are on NHS waiting lists, according to Public Health Scotland's estimate of 578,804 waiting for treatment.
Ross Greer (Scottish Greens) called for increased immigration to address care worker shortages.
In a debate, John Swinney (SNP leader) criticized Labour's energy-cost promises.