EU referendum: Respected Tory MP Sarah Wollaston quits Leave campaign over 'false' NHS claims
Dr Wollaston warned claims leaving the EU would help the NHS were 'simply not true'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Tory MP has defected from the Vote Leave campaign in favour of Remain in protest over claims made about the NHS.
Dr Sarah Wollaston, Commons Health Select Committee chairwoman, said the pro-Brexit claim that withdrawal from the EU would hand the NHS an extra £350 million a week was "untrue" .
And the Totnes MP said she was changing sides because she was not "comfortable" being part of a movement that used the wrong figures on its battle bus.
Dr Wollaston told the BBC: "For someone like me who has long campaigned for open and honest data in public life I could not have set foot on a battle bus that has at the heart of its campaign a figure that I know to be untrue.
"If you're in a position where you can't hand out a Vote Leave leaflet, you can't be campaigning for that organisation."
Dr Wollaston warned there would be a "Brexit penalty" on the NHS as withdrawal would damage the economy.
"The consensus now is there would be a huge economic shock if we voted to leave. Undoubtedly, the thing that's most going to influence the financial health of the NHS is the background economy. So I think there would be a Brexit penalty."
Dr Wollaston stood by her decision to switch sides, insisting: "Nobody wants politicians who make the wrong decision."
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments