The Labour government diverted billions of pounds from NHS services to increase defence spending in an effort to appease former US President Donald Trump, a leaked report has revealed. The document, obtained by The Guardian, details how the government reallocated funds originally earmarked for healthcare to meet NATO's target of spending 2% of GDP on defence, a key demand from Trump during his presidency.
Billions Redirected from Health to Defence
According to the report, approximately £3.5 billion was redirected from NHS budgets between 2018 and 2020. This included cuts to planned investments in new hospitals, mental health services, and primary care. The leaked document, prepared by the Treasury, shows that the decision was made at the highest levels of government to avoid a trade war with the US and to maintain the UK's standing in Washington.
The report states: "The need to meet the NATO spending target was a priority for the Prime Minister, given the risks of a breakdown in relations with the Trump administration. This required difficult decisions on domestic spending, including health."
Outrage from Health Campaigners and Opposition
Health campaigners have expressed fury at the revelations. Dr. Sarah Williams, a spokesperson for the Keep NHS Public campaign, said: "This is a betrayal of the NHS and the British people. Billions were taken from patient care to satisfy the demands of a foreign leader. The government must be held accountable."
Opposition MPs have also condemned the move. Shadow Health Secretary, John Smith, called for an urgent inquiry. "The government prioritised Trump's approval over the health of millions. This is a scandal that goes to the heart of their values," he said.
Government Defends Decision
A government spokesperson defended the decision, arguing that defence spending is essential for national security. "The UK must meet its NATO commitments. The decision to reallocate funds was not taken lightly, but it was necessary to protect the country's interests. The NHS remains a top priority, and overall funding has increased," the spokesperson said.
However, the leaked report contradicts this, showing that the NHS budget was cut in real terms during the period. The document also reveals that the Ministry of Defence received an additional £2 billion over the same period, partly funded by cuts to health infrastructure projects.
Impact on NHS Services
The report details specific impacts on NHS services. Planned upgrades to 20 hospitals were delayed or cancelled, leading to longer waiting times for patients. Mental health services faced a £500 million reduction in planned investment, affecting access to care for thousands. Primary care budgets were also cut, resulting in fewer GP appointments and longer waits for routine procedures.
According to the report, waiting lists for non-urgent surgery increased by 15% during the period, with over 4 million patients waiting for treatment by the end of 2020. The document warns that the cuts have had a lasting impact on the NHS's ability to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calls for Transparency
The leaked report has renewed calls for transparency in government decision-making. The Liberal Democrats have called for a full parliamentary debate on the findings. "The British people deserve to know the truth about how their money was spent. This is a matter of public trust," said party leader Daisy Cooper.
Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party has demanded the release of all documents related to the decision. "This is a damning indictment of Labour's priorities. They chose Trump over the NHS," said an SNP spokesperson.
