Thirteen years of the Tory government deliberately stripping the NHS has resulted in a service which is on its knees, says Northumberland Labour.

Deputy leader of the Northumberland Labour group Liz Simpson said: “Imagine living in a country where the people you elect to take care of you and your family deliberately strip back the services you need. The government is blaming the pandemic on the situation, but we all know this was the government’s policy since getting into power in 2010. They have failed to take care of a precious service.

“Just three years ago they were on their doorsteps clapping for the NHS when all along they knew that years of cuts had put the service into an almost impossible position to cope with the pandemic. They even cut the number of medical school places last year when they were so badly needed. Their hypocrisy beggars belief.

“Labour wants an NHS fit for the future. It takes time to train professionals, but Labour is committed to ensuring the NHS has the resources it needs to serve the people of this country.

“Labour wants to ensure the NHS can see people early so they can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

“This will all result in better care for patients, better conditions for staff and better value for the taxpayer.”