‘Tough day’: Reeves addresses tears in Commons as Starmer outlines 10-year NHS plan

Imogen James
Live reporter

Image source, PA Media

A new 10-year plan for England’s health services was unveiled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer today, a plan that he says will “rewire and futureproof” the NHS.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves remained in the spotlight following her teary appearance in the Commons on Wednesday – we have more on how her day unfolded in our previous post.

And before we end our coverage, here are the key things to know:

The NHS 10-year plan: From a hospital in east London, Starmer set out the next decade for the NHS. The plan involves digitalising the health service, moving from treatment to prevention, and creating more community care health services to move away from reliance on hospitals.

Reaction: It’s drawn mixed reviews. Many MPs and healthcare professionals welcome aspects of it such as the digitalisation, but an overarching worry seems to be over how it will be funded.

In Parliament: After Starmer’s speech, Health Secretary Wes Streeting headed to the Commons to give a statement. He addressed some worries, and said “We’re not going to get everything right. We’ll make mistakes along the way”.

What’s next?: The plans were launched, and started to take effect, today. “Some of it is starting already” but some will take longer, Starmer said, explaining how neighbourhood services will need to be put together. His determination is that in 30 years, people will look at his government as reforming the NHS through these plans.