Greens Debate National Care Service Support This Weekend
- The Scottish Greens have been criticized for supporting the National Care Service, which has faced substantial delays and a significant financial investment.
- An emergency motion has been proposed at the party's conference, arguing that the current bill contradicts the party's values.
- The motion calls for a reevaluation of the party's stance and a potential withdrawal of support for the initiative.
In Scotland, the Scottish Greens have come under fire for their backing of the National Care Service scheme. Critics accuse the party of wasting four years and £30 million on what they describe as a 'hare-brained' project. The initiative has been marred by delays, with its launch pushed back three years due to cost-saving measures, raising concerns about its feasibility and alignment with party values. The debate around the proposal has intensified as the party prepares for its conference on October 26, 2024. An emergency motion tabled by Councillor Anthony Carroll seeks to address these concerns. This motion highlights that the current form of the National Care Service bill is 'contrary to Green values,' igniting discussions among party members regarding the future of support for the scheme. Key figures within the party, including health and social care spokesperson Gillian Mackay, have backed this motion, indicating that internal dissent is brewing regarding how the party has approached this significant policy proposal. The outcome of this conference may determine whether the Scottish Greens will reassess their position on the National Care Service, potentially leading to a withdrawal of support for an initiative that has already faced considerable scrutiny and skepticism from within and outside the party.