NICOLA Sturgeon told Tory MSPs to “hang their heads in shame” after they were heard laughing in Holyrood during a discussion about Brexit-related medicine shortages.
During First Minister’s Questions, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard asked Sturgeon for an update on the Scottish Government’s plans to stockpile six weeks’ worth of medicine, on top of normal stock levels, by the end of March to help mitigate the impact of a potential no-deal Brexit.
During his question, however, both Labour and SNP MSPs grew visibly frustrated by audible murmurings and laughter from the Tory benches.
The interruption appeared to begin as Leonard welcomed the First Minister’s “co-operative tone” after she called for a cross-party approach at Westminster to avoid a hard Brexit. Laughter seemed to continue, however, as the Scottish Labour leader discussed potential medicine shortages.
READ MORE: Scottish Conservatives urged to split from UK party
Sturgeon explained that, given the date of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU has changed, the Scottish Government’s plans were under “constant and ongoing review” to ensure that pharmaceutical companies’ stockpiles remain sufficient.
The First Minister then addressed laughter from Conservative MSPs during Leonard’s question.
“I couldn’t help but notice that while Richard Leonard was asking me that very important and serious question, the Conservative benches were laughing,” Sturgeon said.
“This is not a laughing matter and every Conservative in this chamber and every Conservative across the country should be hanging their heads in shame at the fact that they have brought this country to the brink of crisis.”
Here is the First Minister's full response to Leonard's question:
READ MORE: Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May plot ‘Better Together Brexit’
SNP MSP Clare Haughey also condemned the “shocking and shameful” behaviour of the Scottish Tories in Holyrood.
Shocking and shameful behaviour from @ScotTories MSPs at #FMQs. Laughing when @LabourRichard asks the @ScotGovFM about planning for medicine supplies after a #NoDealBrexit
— Clare Haughey MSP (@haughey_clare) April 4, 2019
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel