The Scotsman
HEALTH campaigners, charities and politicians have reacted with shock and dismay after an investigation by The Scotsman laid bare the true extent of inequality across the country in the 21st century.
The report revealed that a boy born in the poorest part of Glasgow can expect to die at 54 - the lowest life expectancy in the UK. By contrast, someone born in Bearsden, Milngavie, Lenzie, Clarkston or Kilmacolm can expect to live to over 80, while in parts of Livingston, life expectancy is nearly 88.
Colin Fox, the leader of the Scottish Socialist Party, said: "The Scotsman is to be congratulated for its comprehensive and damning report on poverty and inequality in Scotland today."
Mr Fox recommended universal free school meals, scrapping the council tax and abolishing prescription charges.
And he added: "These are practical measures that are within the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament and could be enacted within a short time to make a start on tackling the poverty and inequality so graphically illustrated."
