PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer has said the Welsh NHS must undergo reforms to remain “fit for the future,” including the potential use of private sector involvement to help reduce waiting lists. This marks a shift in Welsh Labour’s long-standing position, which has historically opposed the use of private firms in healthcare.
In an interview with ITV Cymru Wales, Sir Keir expressed his “strong view” that any additional funding for the NHS must come hand in hand with reforms. When asked if the Welsh NHS needs similar changes to those seen in England, the Prime Minister responded: “That would be my strong view because I think that investment and reform need to go together.”
Sir Keir’s remarks come amid increasing pressure on the Welsh NHS, which has faced growing backlogs and rising waiting times. When asked whether this would mean a greater reliance on private healthcare, he pointed to existing practices: “Using the private sector to get down waiting lists? Yes, that’s been going on for a long time. We will do that to get waiting lists down.”
However, this stance contrasts with Welsh Labour’s 2011 manifesto, which promised to “eliminate the use of private sector hospitals in Wales.” Despite this, Starmer emphasised that the core principle of the NHS as a publicly funded service, free at the point of use, remains unchanged.
“The principle that the NHS is a publicly funded service, free at the point of use, is absolutely key to me, and we’re not going to alter that,” he said, stressing that reforms across both Wales and England are necessary to ensure the health service is “fit for the future.”
Labour’s turbulent year in Wales
Starmer refused to comment directly on the internal challenges Welsh Labour has faced in the past year, which has seen three leaders come and go. Despite the political upheaval, the Prime Minister highlighted his “good relationship” with current First Minister Eluned Morgan.
“My job is to work with her to deliver for Wales,” Starmer stated. “People across Wales want to know: ‘Do you get it?’ and ‘Are we going to see stronger, securer jobs, lower energy bills?’ And the answer is yes.”
When pressed about the departure of Vaughan Gething, Wales’ first Black First Minister, after just four months in office, Starmer avoided offering detailed commentary. Instead, he reiterated his focus on working with Eluned Morgan, emphasising the importance of collaboration on key issues like renewable energy.
“I’d rather do the hard graft of sleeves rolled up than provide a running commentary on politics in Wales,” he added.
Defending the Tata Steel deal
Starmer also defended his government’s £500 million deal with Tata Steel, aimed at supporting the future of steel production at the Port Talbot site. When it was suggested that the deal mirrored one previously reached by the Conservatives, Starmer argued that the new guarantees are stronger.
“I’ve always been worried about the situation, as you know from previous discussions,” he said. “But I think we’ve put the best deal in place that we could have.”
While acknowledging that the deal will lead to redundancies, Starmer insisted that there would be no compulsory job losses. “I didn’t really want to be in this position,” he admitted. “But I can’t moan about the previous administration and the mess they left us. The thing now is to make sure we deliver on the future of steel production in Wales.”
The Port Talbot steelworks has been at the centre of the UK’s steel crisis for several years, and the Labour government’s deal is seen as critical for the future of the industry in Wales. Starmer’s government has faced scrutiny over its handling of the situation, with many local workers and unions concerned about the impact on jobs and the local economy.
The Herald believes that Keir Starmer’s remarks signal significant shifts in both Welsh NHS policy and the UK’s industrial strategy, as his government faces challenges in navigating public sector reforms and safeguarding key industries like steel. Despite Welsh Labour’s internal turmoil, the Prime Minister remains focused on delivering for Wales.
