Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner denied during the ITV Election Debate on June 13 that shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said he would “hold the door open to the private sector” in the NHS. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn challenged Rayner, stating that Streeting had made such a remark.
Rayner clarified that Streeting had said Labour would use private sector capacity to reduce record-high waiting lists. She stated: “Wes Streeting has said in order to bring the record high waiting list down that we would use up capacity in the private sector.”
Streeting did say in an i newspaper podcast interview: “I want those entrepreneurs that are coming up with cutting-edge treatments and technologies to know that when they come up with a great idea that can deliver better outcomes for patients and better value for taxpayers’ money, they’re not going to struggle to get through the front door of the NHS. We’re going to be holding the door wide open and encouraging them to come in.”
In a 2023 speech to the NHS Confederation, Streeting also said Labour wanted: “A single front door for innovators. No more shopping products or trials to each and every NHS trust. Where they can help, we will hold the door open and usher you through.”
