Keir Starmer is chargeable for fixing the NHS but it surely’s robust ask after Tories left it in dire state
Fixing an ailing NHS is the responsibility of Keir Starmer’s government but progress must be judged from a dire inheritance from the Conservatives.
The shortage of 150,000 staff is a major problem that cannot be remedied overnight when recruiting, training then retaining workers is a Herculean challenge in itself. Analysis by the respected Institute for Public Policy Research echoes reports from health bodies and, politically, Labour and other parties who look at the jobs needing to be done and note how few bodies are employed.
It is almost as if the Tories deliberately kept vacancies unfilled to save money, record waiting lists a price they thought was worth paying to cover their blackhole incompetency. Filling those roles must be high on the list of priorities of Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Otherwise we are all in danger.
Killer answers
The family of murdered Suzy Lamplugh deserve a police view on who killed the vanished estate agent 38 years ago, even if a conviction is now forever unlikely. Therefore the family of suspect John Cannan believing the now dead “evil and monstrous” rapist was her killer requires an official response, however edged.
Because while the case may never be formally closed, the assessment of detectives could be of some comfort – or continue raising questions – for loved ones who are forgotten victims in this horrific, unresolved case. The truth is elusive but conclusions are possible.
Kev’s a cracker
Super human Kevin Sinfield’s royal seal of approval for his latest fundraising effort in honour of late teammate Rob Burrow crowns a glorious challenge. Prince William applauding the charity run in aid of motor neurone disease is going the extra 217 miles, which fittingly would be the distance from Buckingham Palace to the best pals’ former Leeds Rhinos ground plus a lot of laps around Headingley.
