Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been criticised by some of her opponents amid growing criticism over her administrations’ rollout of the coronavirus vaccine. Reports are also suggesting that Sturgeon has attempted to recruit the British Army’s help.
Nicola Sturgeon herself has stated that vaccine supply in Scotland was “patchy”. Ms Sturgeon has also reportedly recruited the British Army’s support in establishing 80 new mass vaccine centres in Scotland. Concerns have been heightened in Scotland about the slow pace of the rollout, especially after official figures suggested the rollout has been far faster in England.
During her coronavirus press briefing today, Ms Sturgeon was questioned on three occasions by reporters on the “patchy supply” in vaccines throughout the nation. Simon Johnson from the Telegraph stated that England’s rate of vaccination was ‘twice as fast’ as Scotland. She stated the “different pace” was as a result of Scotland’s decision to start vaccinations in care homes. A further reason Sturgeon gave for the slow rollout was the “geography” of Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon insisted that the pace of vaccine delivery will pick up. However, while 17 mass vaccination centres are open in England as of Monday the 18th of January there is only one already opened in Scotland. MSP Anas Sarwar, who is standing to be the new Scottish Labour leader has said: “The SNP’s priorities are wrong. Right now, political leaders should be focused on the coronavirus crisis, the vaccination programme and creating stability for the people of Scotland. As we emerge from the pandemic, what is needed is a taskforce on jobs, health and education – not on independence”.
The SNP announced last week that they are going to create an “independence taskforce” on vaccines. Pamela Nash, the chief executive of Scotland in Union, has reacted to this by saying: “Amid a public health pandemic when people are losing their lives and livelihoods, the idea that we need a taskforce on separation shows just how out of touch the SNP is. Imagine thinking that what we need right now is a taskforce focused on dividing communities and building borders, rather than bringing people together and rebuilding our country. The SNP is obsessed with how to tear families and friends apart, but we are stronger together as part of the UK and we can ensure a successful recovery by working together”.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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