The SNP has called on the Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer to distance himself from comments made by his Shadow Health Secretary which threaten to allow private interests in the NHS under a Labour government.

Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the i newspaper's podcast that Labour would "hold the door open" to private interests as part of the party's NHS reform plans.

Scotland's NHS has the highest per-capita funding of the UK nations - 10% higher than Tory-run England. Proportionally, almost £1.8 billion more is spent on frontline health services in Scotland compared to England, and almost £405 million more compared to Labour-run Wales.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“The comments made by Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary are deeply concerning as it shows that they are not truly committed to protecting our NHS from privatisation.

“Each day, it is becoming more difficult to distinguish Labour’s right-wing rhetoric from the Tories. Under the SNP, the Scottish NHS will always remain in public hands.

“However, only independence can get rid of Westminster governments for good - and guarantee that Scotland's health services will remain in free at the point of use in public hands.”