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Jeremy Corbyn’s critique of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s healthcare policies has reignited debate about the future of the NHS.
In an article for The Independent, the former Labour leader accused Starmer of “betraying” the NHS by expanding the private sector’s role, a move he warns will “hollow out” the public health service.
Corbyn claimed this approach undermines the NHS’s founding principle of universal, free healthcare and risks leaving vulnerable patients behind.
Labour has hit back, defending the use of private hospitals to tackle record-high waiting lists. A party spokesperson argued that patients can’t afford to wait for ideological purity, stressing that the focus must be on reducing delays.
This disagreement has sparked a larger conversation about the balance between public and private healthcare. Should the NHS rely on private operators to improve services, or does this risk eroding its core mission? And what does this policy shift say about the Labour Party’s commitment to its working-class base?
Now, we want to hear from you. Do you support Labour’s approach to cutting waiting times? Or do you share Corbyn’s concerns about the future of the NHS?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and we’ll feature the most compelling responses.
To join the discussion, sign up and register your details. You can also sign up by clicking ‘log in’ on the top right-hand corner of the screen.