Keir Starmer’s focus on ambition and growth (Cover Story, 3 March) is misplaced. Following 12 years of Conservative rule, the public is ready for some compassion and a government intent on tackling deep-seated inequalities and a widening health gap. Ambition and growth in themselves will not achieve such ends.
Starmer’s obsession with reforming the NHS is also misplaced. The NHS in England is already in the midst of major reform arising from the Health and Care Act 2022. At the heart of the changes are integrated care systems (ICSs), which, if successful, could bring about many of Starmer’s aims by improving coordination in prevention and population health. ICSs must be given time to prove themselves. Further top-down reform when staff are already stressed is a recipe for reform fatigue and failure.
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