Keir Starmer to voice anger that 'frazzled' NHS can't deliver after Tory failure
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Keir Starmer will say he is angry that "frazzled" NHS staff aren't delivering results after years of Tory failure. In his first speech of 2025 on Monday, the PM will vow a "new era of convenience in care" as the health service harnesses new technology. This will mean patients have more say on when and where they are treated, he will say.
Mr Starmer will pledge his shake-up will mean 18-week waits will once again become standard. He will unveil the Elective Reform Plan after Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned the NHS could go the same way as Woolworths without changes. Mr Starmer will say: "When I think about what NHS staff have been through over fourteen years, it makes me angry. I am angry that people are working harder and harder. Frontline staff absolutely frazzled.
"Yet the system just isn’t delivering results - for patients or staff. That is a cut and dry argument for reform.". He will say that "difficult choices" made since July means £1.8billion has been invested in cutting waiting times - part of a £25billion NHS boost. This cash will not be used to "paper over the cracks" as it has in the past, he will say.
Under Labour's plans, the NHS app will be overhauled to give patients more choice over where and when they are treated. Mr Streeting said this will help cut waiting times "from 18 months to 18 weeks". In his speech Mr Starmer will say: "This is the year we confront reality and reform the NHS. A new era of convenience in care. Faster treatment, at your fingertips. Patients in control of their health, their life, their future.
