Ed Davey, leader of the UK’s Liberal Democrats, has called on the country’s Labour government to increase investment in the NHS or “accept continued decline”. Speaking at the Lib Dems’ autumn conference, Davey called for a “budget for the NHS” with spending on hospitals, doctors, nurses, and dentists. The party is seeking an additional £3.7bn ($5bn) annually in day-to-day spending and a further £1.1bn a year for investment.
The party’s conference comes after a report by independent peer and surgeon Lord Darzi described the NHS as “broken” and facing a £37bn shortfall in investment. Labour leader Keir Starmer responded by promising a 10-year plan but said he would not increase funding without reform. Davey argued that reform alone is “not enough”.
The Lib Dems, buoyant after winning a record 72 seats in the UK’s general election last July, are positioning themselves as a “constructive opposition” but are also seeking to differentiate themselves from Labour. Party MPs at the conference suggested focusing on “empowering communities” and reforming social care as two areas of distinction.
Lib Dems claim to be the party of the NHS and social care, with the health service at the heart of their manifesto. The party has said it would close capital gains tax loopholes to raise the additional £3.7bn of revenue needed for increased day-to-day spending, whilst £1.1bn of investment would come from borrowing. Under the policy, only 0.1% of taxpayers would experience a rise.
The conference is due to focus next on education policy before closing on Tuesday, with a speech by Ed Davey
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