‘The health policy in Labour’s manifesto shows little noticeable radicalism’

The Labor Party today launched a manifesto with one word: change. It’s a powerful message for a country that desperately needs it, but the party could have chosen two more. “Growth” and “health”. These run throughout the manifesto – after all, with record numbers of sick leave and the NHS failing, how can we expect our economy to grow? And if we can’t grow our economy, how can we change Britain?

The health sections particularly impressed me as I was a lead member of the Labor Council for public health, but more importantly as an NHS patient. Having long-term health problems, I have seen first-hand the profound crises our NHS is experiencing, and growing up I remember it being much better under the last Labor government.

READ MORE: Jobs manifesto announcement: live updates, reactions and analysis

That’s why today’s manifesto is important. Because it will give the next generation of young people a chance to live a healthy life. Good health is the foundation of a good life and this was the fundamental principle behind Clement Attlee and Nye Bevan’s mission to create a collective safety net for the nation’s health.

Health policy in this country needs a fundamental change

By cracking down on non-citizens and tax avoidance, the next Labor government will reduce NHS waiting lists, providing an extra 40,000 appointments a week, creating a new National Care Service and 700,000 more urgent dental appointments.

In my role as Lead Member for Public Health, I was proud to lead the new health inequalities strategy. It is a moral scandal that there can be a difference in life expectancy of up to 27 years between two streets in our country. This was so important that today’s manifesto reaffirmed it with an explicit commitment to “addressing the social determinants of health.”

We know that these health inequalities are inextricably linked to other forms of inequality that people experience. We also know that the solution is a fundamental change in the way health policy is conducted in this country – from the isolated health care that has been offered for the last 14 years to a holistic, life-changing wellness service.

READ MORE: Labor manifesto 2024: What is the party’s policy on NHS and health policy?

That’s why it was great to see a commitment to new neighborhood health centers in the manifesto, as well as a ‘fit for the future’ fund providing key technology improvements to detect cancer and serious conditions earlier.

The promises in Labour’s manifesto are a truly transformative agenda

Poor health in adolescence is a key determinant of poorer life chances, making Labour’s Child Health Action Plan a significant social justice policy. This plan is bold and sensible – ensuring the healthiest generation of children in our nation’s history through measures on vaping, junk food and internet safety.

Across the country, people are waiting too long on waiting lists for mental health services. It is also an issue of regional inequality, with depression rates being much higher in more deprived areas. That’s why Labour’s policy of recruiting an extra 8,500 new staff to treat children and adults is so important.

READ MORE: The manifesto’s top policy priorities at a glance

These policies demonstrate that on planned care, health inequalities, child health and mental health, Labor’s plans are rooted in a real and transformative shift from treatment to prevention.

While other parts of Labour’s health offer often attract attention, the real overlooked radicalism in Labour’s policy lies in its focus on prevention. The promises in Labour’s manifesto are a truly transformative plan to improve our health and give hope to the next generation.

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Find out more via our broader Labor Party’s 2024 manifesto current coverage:

READ MORE: Jobs manifesto announcement: live updates, reactions and analysis

READ MORE: A full breakdown of the manifesto costs – and how they are financed through taxes and borrowing

READ MORE: The manifesto’s top policy priorities at a glance

READ MORE: Labor vows to protect green belt despite housebuilding efforts

READ MORE: Watch Starmer accosted by a protester in the middle with a “Youth Deserves Better” banner.

READ MORE: GMB calls manifesto ‘vision of hope’ but Unite says ‘not enough’

READ MORE: The manifesto commits to Brexit and being “confident” outside the EU

READ MORE: Labor will pass legislation for a New Deal for Working People within 100 days – a summary of key policies

READ MORE: The Labor Party wants to give 16-year-olds the right to vote

READ MORE: Starmer claims a ‘wealth creation manifesto’ will boost economic growth

READ MORE: Dodds: ‘Our manifesto is a fully funded vision while the Tories offer a Christmas tree full of gimmicks’

READ MORE: IFS: Labor manifesto doesn’t raise enough money to fund ‘real change’

READ MORE: “The Labor Party’s manifesto is one that the party can confidently promote.”

READ MORE: “No manifesto will surprise you, but don’t worry: all parties in power are doing much more.”

For more information on the 2024 general election, click here.

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