SNP Health Secretary Criticized for Oasis Ticket Purchase

SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray faced criticism for attempting to buy Oasis tickets during a key panel discussion on Alzheimer’s disease at the party's conference in Edinburgh. After an impactful speech from Professor Terry Quinn about breakthroughs in dementia research, Gray interrupted to reveal he was queuing for tickets, adding he was 'half a world away' from the important discussion. This comment sparked nervous laughter among the audience but was condemned by Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie, who characterized the incident as emblematic of the SNP's negligent approach to the NHS amidst a healthcare crisis in Scotland. Baillie emphasized that patients and staff deserve more focused leadership from the government. The panel discussed the potential impact of a new drug, lecanemab, that could slow Alzheimer's progression, highlighting the urgency for effective health policies. The SNP attempted to downplay the situation by framing it as a light-hearted moment during a serious event.