SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 24/06/05

G8 Scare Story Exposed As Bogus

A G8 scare story run by the Edinburgh based 'Scotland On Sunday' newspaper has been exposed as bogus after the Scottish Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) issued a statement condemning the report as "misrepresentation". On Sunday 12th July SOS ran a front page story suggesting that G8 protests were likely to cause a "blood crisis"

A member of the public wrote to SNBTS querying the veracity of the story. The Scottish Socialist Party has been given a copy of the correspondence.

Lynne C Kidd of SNBTS replied;

"Thank you for your enquiry regarding the article which appeared in the Scotland on Sunday Newspaper.
"Contrary to the headline in the newspaper last weekend, SNBTS is not expecting a 'blood crisis' to coincide with the G8 Summit and is not expecting a blood shortage as a result of G8. "Unfortunately, we believe there was a misrepresentation of the conversation which our spokesperson had with the journalist.
"However, what we did actually say was that the demand for blood never stops and that we were more concerned about the blood stocks over the entire summer period.
"Summer is always a challenging time for SNBTS, as donations can drop by up to 10 per cent. This is because blood donors can be busy during the holiday period with annual leave, outdoor activities and generally enjoying the nicer weather.
"One thousand units of blood per day are needed to meet the Scottish hospital demand, therefore, a new target has been set by SNBTS which will require a large number of new or lapsed blood donors to come forward and help us to support Scottish healthcare.
"I do hope this clarifies the point you have raised and if I can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to contact me."

Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today commented, saying;

"Over the past months the Edinburgh newspapers owned by the Barclay brothers and controlled by Andrew Neil have run a constant stream of stories deliberately designed to whip up fear and panic around protests against the G8 Summit at Gleneagles next week.
"This Scotland On Sunday front page story has now been exposed as bogus by SNBTS.
"I urge every Scot who wishes to peacefully demonstrate their opposition to the policies of the leaders of the G8 to disregard the scare stories of the hostile Edinburgh press and join us in peaceful demonstration across Scotland at every opportunity available.

BBC News Online
An attempt is being made at Holyrood to abolish prescription charges.
Scottish Socialist Party leader Colin Fox introduced a member's bill earlier this year, claiming the charges amount to a "tax on the sick".
The SSP wants MSPs to follow the Welsh Assembly, which will phase out charges by 2007.
The bill has moved to the health committee for discussion by MSPs and is being backed by the public services union Unison.
Unison health organiser Jim Devine said cost was a factor in 75,000 prescriptions not being picked up every year in Scotland.

SCRAP website