Keir Starmer in general election pledge to cut NHS waiting times for Scots by increasing appointments

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A future Labour government will cut waiting times in Scotland by delivering 160,000 extra NHS appointments a year, Keir Starmer will say today.The boost to the health service is one of six pledges the party leader will set out on a visit to Inverclyde today.Labour will also claim it can create jobs and opportunities for young people by improving access to apprenticeships, supporting first-time buyers and creating 69,000 Scottish jobs in the clean energy industries of the future.Starmer will also discuss the importance of his previously announced plan to create a publicly owned firm headquartered in Scotland - GB Energy - to drive the revolution in clean technologies.The six pledges are described as “a down payment” on the party’s determination to begin a decade of national renewal.Speaking ahead of his visit, Starmer said: “For too long Scotland has been failed by this out of touch and incompetent Tory government – but change is possible with Labour."Labour will deliver a decade of national renewal and the steps set out today are our down payment on that promise."From cutting bills to boosting pay to protecting the NHS, the Labour government I lead will be on your side and relentlessly focussed on the issues that matter to you."Scotland can do more than send a message at this election – you can send a Labour government with Scotland’s voice at its heart."Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, said: "This rotten Tory government offers Scotland nothing but more decline and failure.

Scottish Labour is relentlessly focused on the issues that matter to Scotland."These ambitious pledges are the cornerstone of Labour’s plans to transform our country and deliver a decade of national renewal."By delivering economic stability,