The SNP would reverse its long-standing policy of not voting on non-Scottish matters at Westminster to support a UK Government over NHS reforms, Nicola Sturgeon has revealed.
In a move being seen by some as positioning to make the party potential king makers after May’s general election, the First Minister confirmed her MPs would back any Bill which protected the English health service from privatisation.
It came as Prime Minister David Cameron prepared to travel north to unveil new legislation to devolve more powers to Holyrood, widely expected to be a full adoption of the Smith Commission.
Ms Sturgeon claimed her proposed move would help protect Scotland’s health budget under the current funding arrangement of the Barnett Formula.
She said: “Such a step would be good for England by giving people their health service back and also represent enlightened self-interest for Scotland, by protecting the Scottish budget from the cuts which English privatisation are undoubtedly paving the way for.
“We want Scotland to be fully financially autonomous, but until that is achieved SNP MPs helping to reverse English health privatisation would be a vote in the Scottish national interest too.
“We are taking nothing for granted and will work extremely hard for every vote and seat, because if SNP MPs can be in a position of holding the balance of power at Westminster, we can help to further progressive politics across the UK, as well as in Scotland.”
During his trip to Scotland, Mr Cameron will meet the First Minister, join a further meeting between government ministers and representatives of the oil and gas industry and visit businesses.
In a speech, he is expected to say the timetable agreed for devolving more powers has not only been met, but delivered earlier than promised.
He will add: “Be in no doubt, whoever forms the UK Government after May 7th, these new powers are guaranteed.
“The Scottish Parliament will have more control of its tax and spending making it one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world.
“The Scottish Parliament will combine the freedom to decide what happens in Scotland’s schools, hospitals, surgeries and police stations and the responsibility of determining how around 60 per cent of public money in Scotland is spent because for the first time the majority of the money the Scottish Parliament spends will be raised right here in Scotland.”