In an exclusive interview, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has vowed to robustly defend Labour’s controversial National Insurance increase, arguing it directly funds vital NHS improvements including 8.3 million additional GP appointments. The move comes as the government seeks to end the notorious “8am scramble” for doctor visits that has plagued patients nationwide.
“This investment simply wouldn’t exist without the NICs rise,” Streeting told reporters, taking direct aim at opposition critics. He challenged Reform UK and Conservative opponents to explain how they would fund healthcare improvements without the tax revenue, accusing them of offering “no credible alternatives.”
The £102 million expansion plan targets over 1,000 GP surgeries constrained by outdated facilities, bringing total primary care investment past £1 billion. Streeting emphasized these “quick fix” upgrades including modernized consulting rooms and expanded facilities will begin this summer with completion expected by late 2026.
The initiative follows Lord Darzi’s damning NHS review which found nearly 40% of practices operate in “unfit” converted houses or antiquated buildings. Royal College of GPs Chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne welcomed the funding as crucial, noting their surveys reveal 90% of practices lack adequate consulting rooms and 75% can’t accommodate trainee GPs.
Streeting linked the tax rise to early NHS improvements: “We’ve already cut waiting lists by 200,000, delivered 3 million extra appointments and ensured 100,000 more timely cancer diagnoses.” He particularly targeted Reform leader Nigel Farage, demanding he explain his alternative vision for healthcare funding: “Would the wealthy get priority? Would the sick face higher insurance costs? The public deserves answers.”
With GP access ranking among Britain’s top public frustrations and directly impacting hospital pressures the Health Secretary framed this as just the beginning of Labour’s NHS revitalization. “There will be challenges,” he acknowledged, “but thanks to these tough funding decisions, the NHS is finally on the road to recovery.”
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