Using the private sector to drive down waiting lists must not lead to the erosion of public healthcare

By kicking off the first full week of 2025 with a speech in which he called the NHS the “cornerstone” of his government’s plan to rebuild Britain, Sir Keir Starmer was in one sense stating the obvious. The health service is recognised as one of his party’s all-time greatest achievements by social democrats the world over.

Everyone knows that improving it is vital if polling numbers are to tilt the government’s way. By offering warm thanks to health service staff who worked over Christmas, while emphasising customer service values of convenience and flexibility, Sir Keir sought to square the circle of reform that champions the interests of both the workforce and the public.

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