Scotland's £2.1bn Monklands Hospital project cover‑up prompts calls for minister’s resignation

The Scottish National Party (SNP) government was warned in March that the £2.1 billion replacement for Monklands Hospital was financially untenable. NHS Scotland Assure advised ministers not to proceed with construction, but the party continued to promote the project during the Holyrood election campaign.

Former health secretary Neil Gray had assured constituents the hospital would be delivered, despite the warning. After the election, new health secretary Angela Constance announced a pause to the scheme on 25 June, citing the “current financial landscape”. Opposition Labour and Conservative MSPs accused the SNP of a cover‑up and called for Gray’s resignation, alleging he and First Minister John Swinney misled voters. The government says a redesign will be presented to ministers in 2027, with construction to follow.