Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to “catapult the NHS into the future” with a major reform agenda, as he pushes back against Elon Musk’s claims that the government is “tyrannical.”
In a speech in Surrey this morning, Starmer promised to make the health service more efficient and innovative, pledging to “roll up our sleeves and reform the NHS.” He said the principle of universal healthcare would remain, but the system would be overhauled “from top to bottom.”
The Prime Minister defended his record on tackling child sexual exploitation, rejecting Musk’s accusations that he had ignored the issue. Starmer said he had personally prosecuted grooming gang cases and challenged “myths and stereotypes” that had prevented victims from being heard.
Starmer also appeared to accuse Musk of “spreading lies and misinformation” about him, saying those “so desperate for attention” were not interested in justice for victims. He dismissed the tech billionaire’s suggestion that the US should “liberate” Britain from its “tyrannical government.”
With the NHS facing growing pressures, Starmer vowed to “end backlogs” and provide “millions more appointments” to make the health service “fit for the future.” He warned the NHS cannot continue to be a “national money pit,” citing low productivity levels that must be improved.
The Prime Minister’s reform agenda comes as he seeks to move the political agenda away from the row with Musk and focus on his domestic priorities for the year ahead.
