Keir Starmer has come under scrutiny over how he will fund the vast reforms he is planning to get the NHS “back on its feet”.
The Labour leader gave a press conference in Essex where he laid out his vision for the future of the NHS, as well as specific policy proposals and pledges for what his government would do if elected at the next general election.
The NHS formed one of the five missions Sir Keir laid out in February that will be the core of his election manifesto.
They are:
- Secure the highest sustained growth in the G7
- Build an NHS fit for the future
- Make Britain’s streets safe
- Break down the barriers to opportunity at every stage
- Make Britain a clean energy superpower
The Labour leader was first asked whether more money would go into the NHS under his leadership.
Sir Keir said he accepted it is “part of the solution” but it’s not “all about money”.
“Technology could do what money can’t do,” he added, saying his mission is to make an NHS that is “fit for the future”.
He was also asked about pay for NHS staff, to which he said there will be the “biggest increase in training” in the history of the health service.
“I know NHS staff pretty well, my wife is one of them. They want to know they’re fully supported. They want to know they are respected. They want to know there’s a plan for the future,” he said.