Keir Starmer addressed concerns over the delayed Watford General rebuild during PMQs, highlighting frustrations from local MPs and residents.
Watford: So, there’s been quite a stir in the House of Commons lately. Labour MP Matt Turmaine brought up the long-awaited rebuild of Watford General Hospital, which won’t kick off until 2032. Can you believe that?
He pointed out that the Conservatives had promised a fully-funded scheme before the last election, but here we are, 14 years later, and nothing’s happened. Turmaine asked the Prime Minister if he shares the frustration of his constituents over this mess.
The Prime Minister didn’t hold back, saying the previous plans were just a fantasy. He assured everyone that there’s now a solid plan in place to get the new hospitals built, including Watford General.
Other local MPs, like Daisy Cooper and Victoria Collins, chimed in too. They called the delay a huge blow for patients and expressed their disappointment. Collins emphasized the need for better healthcare access in their communities, especially with all the waiting lists and crumbling hospital buildings.
She’s determined to keep pushing for more healthcare services closer to home. It’s clear that local residents and healthcare workers are feeling the pressure and can’t wait any longer for action.
The New Hospital Programme was supposed to build 40 new hospitals by 2030, but now it looks like the final phase won’t even start until 2035 to 2039. Health Secretary Wes Streeting did promise some serious investment, though, claiming it’s the biggest capital boost for the NHS since the last Labour government.
Of course, the Conservatives are trying to shift the blame. Turmaine’s predecessor, Dean Russell, said Labour is just trying to take credit for past achievements while ignoring their own failures. It’s a bit of a political tug-of-war, isn’t it?
