Fourteen years ago, the NHS was entrusted into the hands of the Tories.
At the time, satisfaction with the health service was at a record high and waiting times were at a record low – a precious legacy that was then trashed by the Conservatives. There are now more than seven million on the waiting list, NHS dental services have collapsed and trolley waits are up eightfold.
The Royal College of Nursing has declared a national emergency, as staff report having to treat people in corridors and car parks. In some hospitals, it is common for elderly patients to wait two days for a ward bed. Today, the Tories claimed they would provide more GP appointments – a promise as hollow as their vow to build 40 hospitals.
They only care about the NHS during the few weeks of an election campaign. Labour can be relied upon to care about the health service every week of the year.
Keep us safe
Labour has a proud history when it comes to the defence of this country. Two of the foundation stones of Britain’s post-Second World War security – the nuclear deterrent and membership of Nato – were laid by the Clement Attlee government.
Today Keir Starmer will put rebuilding our military at the heart of Labour’s offer to voters. Under the Tories the size of the British Army has fallen from more than 100,000 to 73,000, the lowest figure since the Napoleonic Wars.
Vital equipment has not been delivered and recruitment targets have not been met. Labour now has more than a dozen former members of the Armed Forces standing for election, showing the party is the safe vote for those who care about this country’s safety.
Shining light
Rob Burrow was an inspiration on and off the rugby league pitch, whose courage was matched only by his compassion.
The floodlights are dimmed but the spirit he showed in the face of motor neurone disease will always shine bright.