NHS in Labour-run Wales sees 40pc rise in patients seeking treatment in England

Labour’s “failed” leadership of the NHS in Wales has driven a near 40 per cent rise in the number of patients seeking treatment in English hospitals, the Tories have claimed. “Keir Starmer says Labour in Wales is a blueprint for what they would do in Westminster – so it’s clear he can’t be trusted with the NHS.” Labour attack line The UK’s ailing health service has been one of Labour’s go-to attack lines as Sir Keir Starmer seeks to pave the way to No10, with concerns over record-high waiting lists playing a major role in the party’s narrative ahead of the next election. Under Labour there would be longer waits.” In a letter to the devolved administrations, he said he was “open to requests” for patients from Wales and Scotland to be treated on the NHS in England, and invited ministers from both nations to discuss what “lessons can be learnt” from each government’s approach to healthcare. In contrast, waiting times in England have risen by over 12 per cent in England, compared to 3.6 per cent in Wales and we continue to invest record amounts in our health service to continue to improve all aspects of healthcare.” A Labour spokesman said: “Patients remember when Labour were last in office, they were treated on time, we had the shortest waiting lists and the highest patient satisfaction in history.”