Responding to Keir Starmer’s speech on Lord Darzi’s review of the state of the NHS, co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay MP, said: 

“The Darzi review pulls no punches: the NHS has been harmed by austerity, capital starvation, the disastrous 2012 Health and Social Care Act and the dire state of social care.  

“It is therefore hugely disappointing to see Labour, like a string of previous Conservative and Labour governments, hooked on reform rather than investment.  

“Starmer says there can be no money without reform. We say there can be no improvement to waiting times, cancer death rates, treatment for mental health – and many other struggling areas – without more money. 

“We agree that we cannot ask working people to foot the bill through higher taxes. But it is fair to ask the super-rich to pay a little more through wealth taxes. This could generate billions towards the investment the NHS is crying out for.  

“‘Reform’ has in the past been used as a stalking-horse for privatisation. The Green Party completely rejects privatisation and fragmentation of the NHS. Private companies are focused on creaming off profits which can result in degraded services and more people not getting the treatment they need from the NHS.  

 “We must avoid a two-tier health service where those who can afford to go private to get treated do, while those who can’t don’t. The NHS was designed to serve all free at the point of use and this must remain its core mission.” 

“We welcome a focus on helping our nation back to health. This can help heal our NHS. But again, improving public health will require investment in those things which lead to improved physical and mental health such as quality housing, good jobs, infrastructure for active travel and healthy food. Greens have always supported working to improve health rather than just treating sickness.” 

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Reacting to the announcement by the UK government that it will grant Tata Steel £500m towards the cost of building a greener electric furnace in Port Talbot, but that around 2,800 workers are set to be made redundant, Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter said: 

“This is the first test of the new Labour government’s commitment to a just green transition that protects jobs and the environment – and it has been found wanting. 

“I’ve spoken with countless families around Port Talbot who have shared with me their distress and fears for the future, not just those directly employed but in the wider supply chain. 

“Labour promised a new approach during the General Election. It raised hopes across the steel industry – here in South Wales and in the North East of England – that the necessary and urgent move to cleaner production methods could be achieved without devastating communities. 

“We know only too well how mining communities suffered when successive Tory governments shut pits without plans in place for new jobs. Labour should have learnt those lessons. 

“The private companies are to get huge taxpayer subsidies without any guarantees that they will protect and create skilled, well-paid, secure jobs for the future. 

“The Green Party knows that can be achieved. Our steel communities need the long-term commitment and political will that this Labour government lacks. 

“By 2030, the European Union is expected to be home to nearly 50 green and low-carbon steel projects, facilitated by governments working together to deliver a planned strategy to move away from fossil fuels. 

“Yet, this new government shuns joining with partners across the EU in a green industrial revolution.  

“Transitioning to a green economy could create up to a million jobs. To achieve that, we need a government in Westminster and the Senedd that is willing to use its full powers – including bringing vital industries like steel into public ownership. 

“Today was Labour’s chance to show that it is prepared to lead. Sadly, it has fallen short.” 

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Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Lisburn based engineering company CASC has secured contracts worth in excess of £10 million with the world’s largest companies in offshore renewable energy.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that a £550,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on A2 Newcastle Street/Newcastle Road, Kilkeel will commence on Monday 16 September 2024.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir visited Larne Harbour to hear about the ongoing work to tackle puppy smuggling.