Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on the Conservative government's handling of the NHS, accusing them of relying on "sticking plaster" solutions while outlining his party's vision for sustainable healthcare reform.
Speaking at London's prestigious Science Museum, Starmer positioned Labour as the party of long-term planning, contrasting sharply with what he described as the Tories' "short-termism" that has left the health service in crisis.
A New Approach to Healthcare
The opposition leader announced plans to shift NHS focus towards prevention rather than cure, with proposals including:
- Expanding access to diagnostic services
- Investing in cutting-edge medical technology
- Reforming GP services to reduce hospital pressures
- Implementing workforce planning to address staffing shortages
Science at the Heart of Policy
Choosing the Science Museum as his backdrop was no coincidence - Starmer emphasised that evidence-based policymaking would be central to Labour's approach. "We will put science, not political ideology, at the heart of our decisions," he declared.
The Labour leader criticised the current government for "13 years of quick fixes" that have failed to address fundamental challenges facing the health service, from waiting lists to staff morale.
Whitehall Overhaul Promised
Starmer also pledged to reform how Whitehall interacts with the NHS, promising to break down silos between government departments to create more joined-up health policies.
"The NHS doesn't exist in isolation," he said. "It's connected to everything from housing to education to the economy. We need government to reflect that reality."
The speech comes as Labour seeks to establish its credentials on the NHS ahead of the next general election, with healthcare consistently ranking as a top priority for voters.
