No Additional NHS Funding Without Essential Reforms, Says Starmer
Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has clarified that the NHS will not receive more money unless significant changes exist. He emphasizes that reform does not mean moving away from the NHS’s original values, which are publicly funded and free for everyone to use. Starmer stated that the key principle remains that people should not worry about medical bills when sick.
He also highlighted his connection to the NHS, noting that his mother and sister worked in the service, and his wife is currently employed there. His mother was cared for by the NHS for many years when she was seriously ill, making this issue close to his heart.
No More Spending Without Fixing Problems
Starmer explained that simply giving the NHS more money is not enough. While a Labour government would continue to invest in the health service, he believes the system needs to be fixed first. He used the analogy, “We have to fix the plumbing before turning on the taps.” This means he’s not willing to see money wasted on costly agency staff, late appointment letters, or patients staying in hospitals because they can’t get care in their communities.
UK Debt Predicted to Triple in 50 Years
A report from the Office for Budget Responsibility warns that the UK’s national debt could nearly triple in the next 50 years due to the ageing population, climate change, and security risks.
Labour and Lib Dems Have Shared Views on Social Care
Wes Streeting, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, mentioned that Labour and the Liberal Democrats have shared goals when it comes to health and social care. Responding to Daisy Cooper of the Liberal Democrats, who highlighted the need for more primary care and preventative measures, Streeting acknowledged the shared commitment between the two parties. He also mentioned that Labour is committed to working across party lines to improve social care.
Conservatives Defend Their Record on the NHS
Victoria Atkins, the Conservative Shadow Health Secretary, responded by defending her party’s handling of the NHS. She said that the NHS is serving 1.6 million people daily, 25% more than in 2010, and there’s a lot to be proud of. However, she admitted that not everything is perfect. Atkins pointed out that the government had implemented a plan to improve NHS productivity, which is expected to bring a 2% increase in efficiency and save £35 billion by the end of the decade.
Streeting replied that the Conservatives should apologize for the current state of the NHS. He argued that the government’s approach has led to poor patient outcomes despite increased hospital staff. He criticized the Conservatives for creating a system that doesn’t function effectively.
NHS Problems Highlighted in Report
In Parliament, Streeting addressed the findings of the Lord Darzi report on the NHS, which painted a bleak picture of the service. According to the report, children are sicker today than they were ten years ago, and adults are becoming ill earlier in life. The NHS is significantly behind other countries in terms of technology, and mental health patients are being treated in outdated, overcrowded facilities.
Streeting acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence that Labour could turn the NHS around with the right reforms and investments. He concluded that while recovery will take time, Labour is committed to fixing the NHS again.
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