Distrust among Scotland’s top politicians surfaced dramatically at a recent health conference in Edinburgh, where leaders from major parties rejected calls for a unified ten year strategy to fix the struggling NHS and social care system. This refusal highlights deep divisions in Holyrood that experts say are stalling vital reforms amid rising public frustration and an upcoming election that could reshape the parliament.
The Conference That Laid Bare Political Rifts
The all day event drew over 100 clinicians, experts, and stakeholders to discuss bold changes for Scotland’s health services. Speakers shared success stories from countries like Denmark and Australia, where cross party collaboration led to stronger systems. The room buzzed with optimism until the final panel brought in Health Secretary Neil Gray and opposition figures Jackie Baillie from Labour, Alex Cole Hamilton from the Lib Dems, Brian Whittle from the Conservatives, and Patrick Harvie from the Greens.
Attendees overwhelmingly supported removing health from the political fray, with nearly everyone raising hands for a long term national plan similar to the 2014 Smith Commission deal on devolved powers. Yet the politicians balked. Cole Hamilton’s comment to Gray, starting with “I like you, Neil, but,” captured the underlying tension. This moment underscored how personal rapport exists but true trust does not, turning potential unity into continued partisan attacks.
Such hostility stems from years of constitutional battles that have poisoned relations in Holyrood. Designed as a collaborative space with its horseshoe layout and proportional voting to prevent one party dominance, the parliament has instead become a battleground. Health, despite Scotland’s poor outcomes like high waiting times and widening inequalities, remains a political football rather than a shared priority.
Public Frustration Grows Over NHS Struggles
Scots are increasingly vocal about the NHS’s woes, with recent polls revealing stark pessimism. A survey by Enlighten think tank found 93 percent believe the NHS needs significant or moderate reform, while 88 percent say the same for social care. Shockingly, 71 percent view the service as worse than a decade ago, and 77 percent fear it will deteriorate further in the next ten years.
Waiting lists have ballooned, with over 5,200 patients enduring more than two years for treatment and one in four facing over a year. Urgent cases sometimes wait over 100 weeks, leaving people in pain. An ageing population adds pressure, as demands on services rise while the system feels overly complex and stretched thin. Data shows health inequalities widening, with poorer outcomes in deprived areas.
Experts like Auditor General Stephen Boyle warn that health now eats up 40 percent of Holyrood’s budget, a figure projected to climb to 55 percent by 2075 or even 50 percent by 2073 according to fiscal analyses. This squeeze threatens funding for education, transport, and other essentials, potentially hiking taxes. Without efficiencies, prevention focused shifts, and tech adoption, the crisis deepens.
To illustrate the scale of the challenge, consider these key statistics from recent reports:
| Metric | Current Status | Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Health Budget Share | 40% of total | 55% by 2075 |
| Patients Waiting >2 Years | 5,200+ | Rising without reform |
| Public Support for NHS Reform | 93% | High demand for change |
| Trust in Scottish Government | 47% lowest since 1999 | Declining trend |
These numbers paint a picture of urgency that demands action beyond finger pointing.
Election Looms with Reform UK on the Rise
As the May 2026 Holyrood election approaches, polls paint a fragmented landscape that could force unlikely alliances. Reform UK surges in projections, potentially securing 22 seats and overtaking Labour as the second largest party behind the SNP. No single group seems headed for a majority, promising a combative parliament spanning far left to far right.
First Minister John Swinney has voiced concerns that Holyrood might lack the strength to counter Reform UK’s “threat,” calling for a progressive alliance with parties like Plaid Cymru to resist far right influences. Labour leader Anas Sarwar counters that his party will defy polls and win, pledging to slash red tape by replacing 14 health boards with three and empowering local decisions.
Voters express deep doubt about the next government’s ability to improve lives, with a recent poll showing widespread pessimism about Scotland’s future. This mirrors a broader Western trend of disillusionment with mainstream politics, fueled by failures in public services and the economy. The SNP, once dominant, faces scrutiny over broken promises like delivering only one of 17 promised national treatment centres.
On social media and forums, frustration boils over. Users decry centralisation leading to longer travels for care and accuse media of pushing privatisation narratives. One post highlighted how SNP plans for walk in GP services drew attacks from unions and opponents, labeled an “election stunt” despite potential benefits.
Recent Steps by Government Amid Criticism
Health Secretary Neil Gray has pushed initiatives to address immediate pains. In late October 2025, he announced £531 million over three years to recruit GP staff, calling it the largest ever investment in core services. This aims to ease pressures on surgeries and support enhanced care for frailty and heart conditions.
Following a damning report on Edinburgh Royal Infirmary’s maternity unit revealing a “culture of mistrust” and patient harm, Gray launched a Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce. He shared a personal story, revealing his wife nearly died during pregnancy due to inaccurate assessments, emphasizing the human cost. The Royal College of Midwives urged no further delays in reforms.
Other moves include sponsoring visas for foreign care workers to bolster staffing and a strategy to combat false health information online. The 2025 26 budget allocates a record £21 billion to health and social care, up with £139 million more in capital for facilities and community programs. Yet critics argue these are bandaids, not the structural overhauls needed.
A spotlight on governance from auditors recommends better scenario planning in financial reports to prepare for uncertainties. Despite these efforts, opposition parties and public sentiment suggest deeper collaboration is essential to restore faith.
Why Trust Must Be Rebuilt for Real Change
Decades of division have eroded ambition in Holyrood, with polls indicating most Scots see the parliament as a disappointment after 26 years. This loss of faith falls on leaders who prioritize short term scores over national vision. To counter the drift, the SNP and Labour, as the big players, must demonstrate they can unite on issues like health across parliaments.
Without a formal coalition, informal pacts could deliver sustained action, embracing technology, prevention, and a robust social care system. Countries succeeding elsewhere prove collaboration works, but Scotland’s tribalism blocks progress. The public gets it, prioritizing NHS fixes in polls, yet politicians lag.
Imagine a Scotland where health spending fuels innovation, not just survival, reducing inequalities and meeting ageing demands. This requires courage to put country before party. As the election nears, leaders face a choice: perpetuate the rot or prove the centre can hold.
Readers, what do you think about bridging these political divides for better health care? Share your views in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with friends and family to spark wider discussion.
