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THE NHS IN THE UK AT 75: ON LIFE SUPPORT OR DEATH WATCH? : IT’S THE POLITICS, STUPID (TO MISQUOTE BILL CLINTON)
  • Calum Paton
Calum Paton
Keele University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

This Perspective argues that the NHS in the UK is facing a critical ‘tipping point’ which means that its very survival is at stake. The article considers the political responses to this crisis - (briefly) from the Conservative government; (briefly) from the ‘anti-NHS’ Right in politics; (briefly) from the ‘centre’ in politics in the form of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change; and (in depth) from the left-of-centre, the Labour Party. Labour is likely to form the next government, which is why its approach (in terms of both political strategy and the substance of health policy) is considered in depth. It is argued that Labour’s approach, derived from an understandable desire by leader Sir Keir Starmer to disown its ‘unelectable’ recent past, is currently inadequate for the task of putting the NHS on a secure footing for the future.
22 Jul 2023Submitted to International Journal of Health Planning and Management
26 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
26 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
26 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Accept