Commenting as the Westminster Health Secretary Andrew Lansley was heckled with shouts of “shame” outside Downing Street today, SNP MSP Bob Doris says thankfully Scotland has its own health system free from the vandalism of the Tories.

Mr Lansley was meeting the Prime Minister to discuss his Welfare Reform Bill when he was met by groups protesting at the reforms.

Mr Doris, SNP MSP for Glasgow and deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament's Health Committee, said:

“Thank goodness our Scottish NHS is independent – especially on a day like today when we see the extent of the Tories’ vandalism on their NHS.

“Mr Lansley is destroying the NHS south of the border, dismantling it piece by piece – and being met with rightful protests.

“But the situation couldn’t be any different in Scotland where the Scottish Parliament has full control of the health service.

“The SNP is protecting the NHS, with Nicola Sturgeon delivering a generous funding package for boards against the backdrop of huge public spending cuts from Westminster.

“This highlights the case for Scotland to have full control of all of its own affairs – where the Scottish Parliament can protect services from Westminster and its damaging Tory cuts.

“The contrast between what is happening north and south of the border could not be greater, which is why an independent Scotland is the next step in shielding all of our public services.”