SCOTLAND’S Health Secretary has hit back at Tory critics after being accused of “disappearing” amid a spike in coronavirus cases.
Humza Yousaf took his 12-year-old step-daughter on the Warner Bros Studio Tour, where Harry Potter was made, “as a treat” marking the end of the primary seven school year.
The SNP MSP said he only took a “few days” off – but Scottish Conservatives told The Sun Yousaf should return to the “day job” and said families affected by the third wave of Covid would be “appalled”.
Stephen Kerr, the Scottish Tory chief whip, said: “Families across Scotland who are feeling the effects of the third wave of Covid will be appalled that the SNP’s Health Secretary thought it appropriate to take a trip down to London at this time.
“We are seeing thousands of cases a day in Scotland, with hundreds in hospital, and people still tragically losing their lives to the virus.
“Humza Yousaf should have reconsidered this trip at such a critical time in our fight against Covid and ensured that he was fully focused on the day job, rather than diverting his attention towards all things Harry Potter-related.”
Yousaf said the visit had been arranged months ago. He also accused Kerr of “hypocrisy” – as he’d “bumped into” a newly elected Tory MSP while at the Harry Potter Studios.
A spokesperson for Yousaf commented: “Humza is taking a few days’ break with family in the school holidays and the visit to Harry Potter World was an end-of-term treat he had promised.
“This is jaw-dropping hypocrisy from the Scottish Tories, whose own public health spokesperson [Sandesh Gulhane] was visiting Harry Potter World at the same time as Humza.
“The Tories’ capacity for double standards appears limitless. The Health Secretary is still actively speaking to officials in Government about the Covid situation.”
On Twitter, Yousaf said while he rarely comments on stories about himself he would make an exemption.
“Pandemic has been tough for everyone & I am luckier than most but it has been tough for my 12yr old step-daughter who missed her friends during her p7 year. As a treat, I promised this Harry Potter fan a trip to HP Studios months ago (if restrictions allowed) when school finished,” he explained.
“Every day I have taken ‘off’ I have worked. Speaking to Clinicians, vaccines & testing teams, clearing submissions etc.
“My family don't see me much at all, and while they understand why, it is difficult for us all, so I wont apologise for giving them the v limited time I do.
“As for the Tory outrage quoted in the Sun story: 1) Your Shadow Public Health Minister was at HP World at the same time as me, we bumped into each other & said hello. So I can only assume it's ScotGovt Ministers who aren't allowed to spend time with family? 2) Matt Hancock.”
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Scotland currently has some of the worst hit areas of Europe in terms of Covid cases, with Tayside, Lothian, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Fife and Lanarkshire all badly affected.
Last week three days saw record high case totals, but the numbers appear to have come down from the spike of around 4000. Yesterday 2363 new cases were recorded, but test positivity remains high at 10.2%.
Speaking yesterday following the publication of the figures, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Daily fluctuations still likely – but reported Scottish cases have dropped compared to this time last week. Vital that everyone gets vaccine – & that we all stay outdoors as much as possible and continue to follow advice on distancing, face masks, hygiene etc.”
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