PM has promised that 92% of patients waiting for planned care in England will once again be treated within 18 weeks

In Monday’s big NHS speech, Keir Starmer promised that by spring 2029 92% of patients waiting for planned care in England would once again be treated within 18 weeks, as they are meant to be already – but only six in 10 actually are.

“This elective reform plan will deliver on our promise to end the backlogs,” the prime minister vowed, as he set out initiatives to fulfil a pledge that is a key part of his plan for change.