NHS is broken in unforgivable way-PM

In a TV interview, Sir Keir Starmer is likely to claim that the NHS has been "broken" in "unforgivable" ways.The Prime Minister will make the allegation as an assessment of the NHS's treatment of children is set to be published this week. Speaking with the BBC's Sunday Sir Keir will tell Laura Kuenssberg from Downing Street Cabinet Room that the Conservatives' NHS reforms were "hopelessly misconceived" and that the previous administration left it in a "awful state" as a result of austerity and the pandemic.

Sir Keir is also likely to blame the previous administration for NHS inadequacies, as he did with the UK's economic condition. "The last government broke the NHS," he'll say.

The Prime Minister will add: “Our job now through Lord Darzi is properly understand how that came about and bring about the reforms, starting with the first steps, the 40,000 extra appointments.

“But we’ve got to do the hard yards of reform as well. And as I say, I think it’s only a Labour Government that can do the reform that our NHS needs, and we’ll start on that journey.”

During the interview, Sir Keir will also face questions on the Government’s response to the summer riots, the Grenfell Tower fire, the Government’s claims of a £22 billion black hole in the public finances, his coming visit to the White House, and the name of the new Downing Street cat.

Responding to the Prime Minister, shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins said Labour had sought to “politicise children’s health, rather than provide solutions and reform of our NHS”.

She added: “Labour knows that the Conservatives brought more doctors, more nurses and more investment into the NHS, including in mental health services, as well as long-term funded plans to reform the NHS and expand the workforce.

“We have always acknowledged that there are pressures, including the impact of social media on young minds, a growing reluctance in some parts of society to vaccinate children and an increase in diagnoses of ADHD. To find solutions to these issues requires serious and sober thinking, not headline chasing.

“Sadly, all Labour has done in health since the election is issue press releases, appoint cronies and give a budget-busting pay rise to striking junior doctors, with no plans for reform.

“I will work constructively with anyone who wants to improve our nation’s health; Labour should stop politicising our children’s health and the NHS if they are serious about reform.”

Royal College of Nursing general secretary and chief executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “Whether it’s the youngest or oldest in society, patient care is not at the standard it should be. And nursing staff feel professionally compromised.

“School nurse levels were slashed by the last government and that has had direct consequences on children’s health. Today’s children and adolescents, without early years or mental health support, pay a price similar to the most vulnerable adults without care packages.