Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has joined Labour candidate Martin Whitfield in Musselburgh to meet local activists and underline the important choice facing voters on 12 December.
Mr Brown came to the town’s Fisherrow Centre with Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth to speak to the local Labour members about Martin’s campaign and the need to support him in the final weeks up to polling day.
The former PM spoke about the importance of re-electing Martin and other Labour candidates as the only way to retain Scotland’s place in the UK and EU and contrasted it with the extremism of the Tories’ hard Brexit position, which will also put the UK at risk.
He also emphasised Labour’s historic mission to tackle poverty and bring about a fairer society, which is more crucial than ever after nearly a decade of Tory austerity.
Mr Ashworth told the audience that the election is also about the future of the NHS, with Labour being the only party that can prevent the Tories from putting it at risk of being sold off to the US with a Trump trade deal.
Speaking after the event, Martin Whitfield said:
“It was a real honour to have Gordon here in East Lothian backing my campaign. He is a towering political figure who has dedicated his career to advancing social justice and building a fairer society.
 
“His message was very clear – there can only be a Labour or Tory government after this election, and only a vote for Labour here will protect Scotland’s place in the UK and Europe. 
“I was also grateful to have Jon’s support. He is leading Labour’s drive to protect our precious NHS. Labour created the NHS, our greatest achievement, and voters here know we will always defend it and ensure it is properly funded. If the Tories win, it will be at risk from a Trump trade deal.”
 
Earlier in the week, Mr Whitfield had been joined by Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer. He reinforced the message that Labour is offering a final say referendum on Brexit with the option to Remain.
Mr Whitfield is continuing to take his campaign out to communities across the county this week.
Link to Instagram Link to Twitter Link to YouTube Link to Facebook Link to LinkedIn Link to Snapchat Close Fax Website Location Phone Email Calendar Building Search