The Health Foundation responds to Sir Keir Starmer's first speech as Prime Minister The new government must place health at the heart of its agenda

Responding to Sir Keir Starmer's first speech as Prime Minister, Dr Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive of the Health Foundation, said: 

'Congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party on their election victory. While we welcome the Prime Minister's focus on national renewal in his first speech on the steps of Downing Street, the scale of the task that the new government inherits cannot be underestimated. The NHS is facing one of the toughest moments in its history, and the challenge to get it back on its feet will be significant. Additionally, improvements in life expectancy have stalled, health inequalities are widening, and social care is in dire need of reform.

‘But there are also grounds for optimism. It is possible to rebuild the nation’s health by taking a long-term approach supported by investment, reform and a relentless focus on the wider social, economic and environmental factors that shape people’s health. And while the problems facing the NHS are severe, history shows that it can improve with the right level of investment and intelligent reform. Central to effective reform must be more widespread trial and use of technology.

‘The Prime Minister has pledged to make economic growth the defining mission of his government. Good health and a thriving economy are inextricably linked, yet poor health among working-age people is currently shrinking the labour force and holding back the economy. If it is to succeed in its mission, the new government must put health at the heart of its agenda from day one.’