Tory threat to NHS

The Health Service Journal has today revealed the extent of the threat posed by a re-elected Tory government. Essentially, the HSJ says: "Closing wards and services, blocking choice of private providers, systematically extending waiting times, and stopping some treatments are all being considered under a national programme targeted at the health economies with the highest overspends."

In response, Jonathan Ashworth, Shadow Health Secretary and Leicester MP, says:

"With 48 hours to go until the General Election, the true scale of the secret Tory plan for cuts and closures across the NHS has been revealed by the Health Service Journal.

"We now know if the Tories are re-elected on Thursday we'll see hospital wards closed, waiting times growing, treatments rationed and staff cut.

"The fact that NHS bosses have described this as the most extreme and difficult NHS finance process they have experienced and would challenge the value basis of the NHS, will make chilling reading for patients and their families who deserve the very best levels of care.

"Every single day the Tories are in power hospitals are being left to crumble, staff are being let down, waiting lists are growing and patients are being denied the care they need and deserve.
"Let's be clear - these new, secret Tory plans will only be stopped by electing a Labour Government on Thursday.

"The NHS cannot survive five more years of a Tory government. That is why Labour has pledged to bring the health service back from the brink with a multi-billion pounds rescue package. The British people deserve nothing less."

Incidentally, did you see this story on the BBC lunchtime news? No, me neither. Funny that. Questions may need to be asked.

Constituency Gala Dinner 2016

On Saturday 27th February 2016 South Leicestershire Constituency held its annual Gala Meal at Braunstone Civic Centre.

Speakers were Jon Ashworth MP and our own Willy Bach, prospective candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. 

Mr Ashworth gave a speech very appreciative of Labour achievements in government and concerned for the losses in services and quality since 2010. Mr Ashworth called for the Labour party to be more robust in its statements about how good Labour's achievements were, when statements are made during the current government period.  

Willy Bach talked about his campaign for Commissioner, in particular the need to support 'city' policing for those most in need in the area. Sadly most crime occurs in areas of the police authority where there is most need.

Over 50 members attended, with 21 from Lutterworth.  Together with a raffle and auction over £400 was made for constituency campaigns.  Many thanks to organiser, David Gair.  Planning is already underway for the 2017 event

.

Labour in Leicester and Leicestershire Conference

I don't know about you, but I still miss the Political Education Days we used to have in our constituency.  I remember Roy Hattersley on House of Lords Reform and Chris Mullins on the Birmingham Six.

Today Rory Palmer emailed a number of us with the following.  It seems Political Education is alive and well in Leicester - and we are invited.

David F is putting it on the agenda for January 5.  Maybe we can get up a busload or something.  I'm certainly up for it.

Labour in Leicester and Leicestershire Conference 2016
Saturday 23^rd January 2016 at Leicester Town Hall. 10:00am – 5:00pm
This conference will bring together Labour members from across Leicester and Leicestershire to hear from a range of speakers including members of the Shadow Cabinet and to discuss local and national policy areas.
The conference will hear from a range of speakers including Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Seema Malhotra MP and Shadow Cabinet member Jon Ashworth MP.

Speakers also include Leicester West MP Liz Kendall on the EU Referendum and Leicester’s City Mayor Peter Soulsby who will give a report on progress in delivering Leicester Labour’s 2015 Manifesto.

Policy Workshops will cover areas of national and local significance, including: the future of public services including the NHS, schools and the police & 999 services; plans to grow Leicester/shire’s economy and create jobs and what devolution could mean for our area, and; Labour’s approach to improving living standards and tackling inequalities at a time of shrinking public sector budgets.
There will also be a range of informal sessions including an introduction to Labour Party structures for newer members; training on the EU Referendum campaign; a session for members interested in becoming a councillor/ candidate; and much more.
This conference will be a timely opportunity for Labour members in Leicester and Leicestershire to meet ahead of the Police & Crime Commissioner election next year; the EU Referendum; and County Council elections in 2017.
The conference is organised and hosted by the Leicester City Council Labour Group. 

In the meantime MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.  Here's to an active and electorally successful New Year!