NHS: Sir Keir's Speech Today.

When the NHS was created by the Labour government in 1945 it was a service free for all, regardless, of your status in life. Before this people paid into an insurance scheme that paid for health treatments. Private health insurance still exists as does the private health service. However, only those with a pretty penny can access it. Yes, private health can be accessed by those on NHS waiting lists which is meant to shorten waiting lists. I know many people treated privately when on NHS waiting lists. And, they all report they thought it was a good thing and were treated well both by staff and their overall treatment.

Over the years both Tory and Labour governments have failed to invest in the NHS. At best, both political parties when in government, have propped up a failing service. Labour whose baby the NHS was has probably supported the NHS better. The Tories have underfunded the NHS the most as it is their dream to force everyone into the private sector health service. Akin, to the pre-1945 position, when there was no NHS and everyone paid into an insurance system.

The NHS has been called the "envy of the world", however, is it now? As Ed Davey said, Leader of the Lib-Dems, the NHS is on "its knees". Many countries including the US have expressed admiration for the concept of the NHS, free at the point of entry. The US itself operates an insurance system one for the rich and one for the poor. Although, people like Obama and Trump, allegedly tried to make it fairer for all. First through Obamacare and then Trumpcare. Now with Harris and Trump battling to be president health seems not to be a thing. No mention of Harriscare or Trumpcare 2.0. Other nations have copied our NHS model, whole others like Germany have a combination of insurance and free health care.

Sir Keir Starmer, based on a report by Lord Darzi, has made a speech about the future of the NHS. Mr. Starmer, lately, has been labelled as the angel of death bringing grim news about austerity and tough times ahead. Many think Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget coming soon to a screen near you, will be a budget with pain but no gain, at least not for the foreseeable. Sometimes when you have to deliver news to people you have to be realistic. You cannot sugarcoat things if they are dire, you have to be straight, even if you know the news will trouble and hurt people. Sir Keir has said the NHS is in a perilous state. Sir Keir has stated that the NHS must be reformed or die. It's as bleak and as black and white as that.

For 14 years the Tories spoke about investing here and there in the NHS. If so, where have all the billions gone? If the money has been invested why has there been no significant improvement? Waiting lists are sky high, foreign staff fill our wards (Though most of them, along with their UK staff, do a good job, in impossible circumstances), machines used on the NHS are often ancient, there are staff shortages, etc. Lord Darzi's report says that despite the perilous state of the NHS the service's vital signs are still there. Instead of helping the NHS, the Tories preferred to pick a fight with NHS unions over pay and conditions.

Sir Keir has outlined from day 1 when he became Labour leader that the NHS needs reform. It is not fit for purpose for the 21st century. It seems in many areas of the NHS, it is still run, in a 1940s style. Which may have worked then and for many decades to follow, but not now.

Sir Keir has rolled out 10 ideas for its plan to reform and revolutionise the NHS. Let us hope that this report from Lord Darzi and the Labour plan for the NHS reform works.