Delivering an NHS fit for the 21st century is a prize only a Labour government can win for Britain so we all have a vested interest in this mission succeeding.
Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting’s huge consultation to produce a 10-year plan emphasising prevention, technology and value of care in the community is a turning point.
Since it was created by Labour back in 1948, the NHS never stood still and has advanced beyond the wildest dreams of Clement Attlee and Nye Bevan.
Yet this is a moment to reimagine how it will operate in decades to come.
Nobody pretends that change, and bold change when it’s needed, is easy to achieve.
But commitment, vision and, vitally, resources will revive the closest we have to a true national religion. Restore the NHS to rude health and we all win.
King of cool
The impassive public response of a King accused of genocide in Australia’s parliament by an indigenous senator will have masked concern the protest would dominate coverage of the visit.
Because Charles cares dearly for a country he’s making his 17th visit to.
Carrying on with the planned itinerary is the only sensible course of action and it is worth recognising that many Australians are delighted to meet him and Camilla, acknowledging he paused cancer treatment for the trip.
But wounds run deep over past massacres of Aboriginal people and ongoing discrimination in an Australia with both significant republican and monarchist movements.
Doing us proud
What a swanky night, what a star-studded turnout and what inspiring, wonderful and brilliant winners of this year’s Daily Mirror Pride of Britain awards.
Clear your diary now to watch this year’s ceremony on ITV1 at 8pm on Thursday because it’ll be the best two hours on the box in the whole of 2024.