UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Nigel Farage backs Keir Starmer’s NHS England scrap plan, calling it “difficult to disagree with,” as PM faces growing backlash from Labour and Tories.
Keir Starmer‘s moves to scrap NHS England has garnered appreciation from Nigel Farage, marking a rare alignment between the right-wing figure and the Labour leader.
What did Nigel Farage say about NHS changes?
Nigel Farage stated,
“I find it quite difficult to disagree with a lot of what’s being said today. Whether they actually deliver it is another thing. And Katie, the other thought on this: you know, it was interesting.”
He said,
“There were a couple of Labour MPs who got up at Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday, not particularly happy with their party leader and prime minister.”
Reform UK leader stated,
“You know, welfare cuts in the wind, all those things. But he’s got such a big majority. Is a left-wing rebellion going to be that significant to him?
Mr Farage said,
“I think the view in Number 10 is that they have the numbers to face this down. And also, there is a need to now consider Keir Starmer’s positioning,”
adding,
“This is linked to Ukraine and uncertainty in the world. But the truth is, even without Putin, Zelensky, or Trump, Rachel Reeves does not have economic growth.”
Referring to the Rachel Reeves, Mr Farage said,
“She can’t really raise taxes much more. And therefore, we’re in a situation where it looks like there will be more cuts, because the markets also don’t want to lend the UK much money.”
He continued,
“I think that means that it’s a question of whether they think they can push it through, but also whether they can afford not to, for a few reasons. I think you could see a big rebellion on welfare.”
What did Katy Balls say about Keir Starmer’s reforms?
The Spectator’s political editor Katy Balls stated,
“You listed some of the things Keir Starmer has said he’s going to do recently.”
She said,
“Of course, there was a big NHS England announcement today. But you’ve also had a civil service crackdown, pushing out those who are not doing enough work. You combine that with welfare.”
He added,
“Certainly, looking at Keir Starmer today, you’ll have some Labour MPs on the left who are very uncomfortable, but I think just as uncomfortable perhaps even more so are other Tory MPs and former Tory advisers watching on and thinking, ‘Wait a minute, isn’t this what we were meant to be doing?”
How will Keir Starmer’s NHS reform benefit frontline services?
By cutting NHS England, the government pledges to save millions, which will be reinvested into frontline services such as operations.
Sir Keir Starmer said,
“That money could and should be spent on nurses, doctors, operations, GP appointments.”
The Labour leader believes that this move will increase accountability by bringing the health service directly under the control of ministers.
Keir Starmer has made a bold decision by bringing the health service back under the direct control of ministers through the abolition of NHS England.
What did Hugh Alderwick say about the impact of scrapping NHS England?
Hugh Alderwick, the director of policy at the Health Foundation charity, stated it was a “watershed moment” but said
“History tells us that rejigging NHS organisations is hugely distracting and rarely delivers the benefits politicians expect.”
He added,
“Scrapping NHS England completely will cause disruption and divert time and energy of senior leaders at a time when attention should be focused on improving care for patients.”