30 June 2023 , 21:04
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After 13 years in power the Conservatives have finally realised the NHS needs more doctors and nurses.
Plans set out by the PM to boost the number of health workers are a belated recognition of the damage caused by his Tory predecessors.
They cut staff and resources amid increased pressures from an ageing population.
Given how long it takes to train doctors, any benefits from Rishi Sunak’s announcement will take years to materialise and come far too late for the millions stuck on waiting lists.
It was also baffling that he failed to mention mental health services despite soaring demand. It was not the only glaring omission.
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Absent, too, was any initiative on pay.
Last year a Commons committee said it was unacceptable that nurses have to struggle to support families, pay rents and travel to work.
That report was written by Jeremy Hunt. It applied then and it applies now.
A plan which fails to value doctors and nurses is no plan at all.
Eco dunces
Zac Goldsmith spoke the truth when he declared Rishi Sunak had no interest in the environment and animal welfare.
The Tory peer’s broadside against the PM was contained in a furious resignation letter.
His motives may be dubious but that does not lessen the strength of his criticism.
Under Sunak, the Government has broken promises to ban the export of live animals and offer greater protection to pets. It has also reneged on its pledge to raise spending on protecting the environment overseas.
As Lord Goldsmith noted, the PM recently skipped a summit on the environment to attend a party hosted by Rupert Murdoch.
Mr Sunak is more interested in saving his own skin than saving the planet.
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Roar courage
England's Lionesses head to Australia next week for the Women’s World Cup.
Everyone will be hoping that Down Under the pride of England roars to victory yet again.