When it comes to health, nothing should be off-limits. We need to build a much more resilient healthcare system and improve the overall health of the population.
Keir Starmer made some statements this week suggesting that the NHS must "reform or die," and that there will be no additional funding without significant reforms. The truth is, Labour has more political space than the Conservatives to make meaningful changes to the NHS, so whilst we welcome Starmer’s sentiment, we question whether he will actually deliver any meaningful change.
If Starmer is serious, he must pursue proper reform, and that means rethinking the current NHS model. Much has changed in the UK, we now face an aging population, a mental health crisis, and widespread childhood obesity, and all these additional pressures mean that the existing system no longer works. Continuing to throw money at the problem isn’t the answer.
Currently, we spend 8% of GDP on healthcare, and this is projected to rise to 14%. Beyond the financial strain, this increase serves as a grim forecast for the future of our nation’s health. The situation is not looking good.
From both a health and financial perspective, this is unsustainable. We agree with the overall diagnosis that we need to shift towards a preventative healthcare model, often referred to as "Health V3," and we will wait to hear what Labour proposes. However, it was disappointing to hear Starmer mention the usual quick fixes: banning junk food ads before 9pm and restricting takeaway food outlets near schools. While these measures won’t hurt, they are little more than sticking plasters.
If the government is serious about improving the nation's health, bold action is required, and we should start with our young people. Daily PE lessons, for example, would be a good start. This is already standard practice in many independent schools, where obesity rates are lower and academic performance is better. Unfortunately, though, the government has chosen to go to war with the private sector rather than learning from its successes.
School meals also offer an untapped opportunity. Most children attend school, making it the ideal setting to ensure every child gets at least one healthy meal each day. This isn’t about the “nanny state,” but about strategic intervention to support public health.
Then there’s the issue of mobile phones. Labours solution to employ mental health nurses in schools is another sticking plaster. What about tackling some of the root causes that effect mental health. Children’s brains have not evolved to handle the high levels of stimulation and social exposure that mobile phones bring. While we can’t control what happens at home, we can control what happens in schools—so why not ban phones entirely during school hours?
These are the kinds of bold measures we need to see from our government to address the nation's health crisis from a preventative perspective. The government could start by testing out some of these solutions and measuring the results rather than the endless droning about banning junk food ads and implementing salt and sugar taxes.
The question is, does Labour have the stomach for it?
