‘There’ll be an end to the culture of authoritarianism in the Labour Party, where good MPs were kicked out just for disagreeing on policy’, the former Health Secretary Wes Streeting writes
There’s a breath of fresh air blowing in from the North. Andy Burnham is bringing his straight-talking, honest, values-driven politics down from Manchester. It’s giving the country cause for hope and optimism again. There’ll be an end to the culture of authoritarianism in the Labour Party, where good MPs were kicked out just for disagreeing on policy. Standing up for your constituents shouldn’t be a sackable offence – whether it’s for disabled people worried they will lose their benefits or farmers who face losing the family farm. We should be able to disagree agreeably. Debate is how the next Labour government will avoid the mistakes of the last. It’s also how we can make the public’s voice heard at the top of government. MPs receive hundreds of letters and emails a week. They hold regular surgeries in their constituencies, and are always out knocking on doors. They need to be part of the conversation. No one man can be expected to have all the answers. Nor can one wing of the Party. A bird needs both its wings to fly.
It is a welcome relief to hear Andy apologise for Labour’s response to the Gaza conflict. He wasn’t in charge at the time, but he’s taking responsibility and being honest that we got it wrong. Those of us who were pushing for the disgraceful treatment of Palestinians to be condemned, recognition of a Palestinian state, and a tougher line on Israel often felt like we were hitting our heads against a brick wall. Things will be different now. As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy had a different perspective on what’s going wrong in the country, and showed another path was possible. Manchester has the fastest growing economy in Britain. Now he wants to take that blueprint to the rest of Britain, with support for struggling high street businesses and the biggest council house building programme since the post-war era. Before anything else, Andy knows his first priority is the safety and security of our people. He will ramp up investment in defence and equip our armed forces with the modern kit they need. In a more turbulent world, we have also got to be able to stand on our own two feet when it comes to the essentials. We need to produce more of our own food, energy and manufacturing here in Britain. That will mean stronger national security, as well as bringing jobs, apprenticeships and reindustrialisation to our nation’s towns. I was proud to nominate Andy for Leader of the Labour party this week, for a fresh start for Labour, growth in every postcode, and hope in every heart.
‘Booking online has transformed NHS’
We do our shopping, banking, and entertainment online, so it’s ridiculous to make patients wait on the phone first thing in the morning to see a GP. Labour promised to end the 8am scramble in our manifesto. As Health Secretary, I recruited 2,000 more GPs and introduced online appointment booking. Now the results are in and we’re well on our way. 20% fewer patients contact their GP by phone compared with two years ago. The number booking online has almost doubled. And patients say it’s easier to contact their GP. We delivered this change through investment and modernisation. The BMA tried to block online booking. But patients have spoken and it’s here to stay. There’s a long way to go, but the NHS is more modern and convenient with Labour.
‘My money is on Count Binface’
Nigel Farage has run away from questions about his finances by calling a by-election. All parties are rightly boycotting this circus. Any politician would face questions about a £5 million ‘gift’ from a crypto billionaire in Thailand, a convicted fraudster whose house they stay in, and a Met Police investigation.
But Farage thinks there’s one rule for him and another for everyone else. Count Binface is standing. My money’s on the bin.
‘Health checks vital for firefighters’
As Health Secretary, I announced regular health checks for firefighters, to catch occupational risks like lung cancer. I caught up with the Fire Brigades Union this week to check on progress. Firefighters run towards danger when the rest of us run away. Whatever job I do next, I’ll make sure the government honours my commitment.