Keir Starmer Announces Abolition of NHS England
In a bold move aimed at cutting bureaucracy and refocusing the NHS on patient care, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced the abolition of NHS England. The decision seeks to reduce duplication and save money by eliminating an "arms-length body" that has managed the health service since 2012. Starmer argued that managing £200 billion of taxpayer money for healthcare shouldn't be handled by a separate entity, but should instead be brought back under direct democratic control.
The announcement comes amid a series of high-profile departures from NHS England, including its former chief Amanda Pritchard. Starmer’s decision is framed as a response to the administrative complexities that have led to long waiting times and inefficiency within the NHS. "We need more doers, and fewer checkers," said Health Secretary Wes Streeting, adding that the move would give more power to the frontline, where it is needed most.
This change is part of a broader push by Starmer to reform the British state, which he described as "overstretched, unfocused, and doing too much badly." The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of reducing red tape across the public sector and introducing Artificial Intelligence to help streamline civil service operations. The announcement, which was not part of Labour's manifesto, marks a significant step in Starmer’s agenda to overhaul government functions and improve efficiency.
