The Green Party is urging the next government to allocate an additional £50 billion annually to rescue an NHS they claim is on the brink of collapse. This funding would come from taxes imposed on the top 1% of earners.
The party, aiming to secure its first four MPs, emphasizes the necessity of a substantial financial injection to elevate NHS wages and enhance social care. They propose new legislation to combat NHS privatization, asserting that outsourced contracts drain £1 billion from the healthcare system.
Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay stated, “We are the only party forthright with the public about the financial commitment required to revitalize the NHS.” He added, “Our NHS is in crisis after enduring 14 years of neglect. With increased Green representation in the upcoming Parliament, we will push the new government to take decisive action to rejuvenate our NHS.”
While the Green Party intends to field candidates in every English and Welsh constituency for the July 4th election, their focus will be on four winnable seats, with the hope that these MPs will advocate for NHS restoration.
Four Green Party candidates have withdrawn following an investigation into allegations of antisemitic or extremist remarks. Meanwhile, the Scottish Greens, a separate entity, will field candidates in Scotland.
In terms of funding, healthcare is under the purview of national parliaments in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In England, the healthcare budget for this year amounts to £179.6 billion, covering various sectors including the NHS, public health, social care, and training.
The Green Party proposes a £30 billion annual increase in funding for the English NHS by 2030. This funding would prioritize raising frontline workers’ salaries, ensuring prompt GP access, offering same-day urgent care, and providing NHS dental services for all.
Additionally, the Greens advocate for a £20 billion boost per year for social care to ensure dignity for those requiring assistance and alleviate pressure on the NHS. Mr. Ramsay compares these funding levels to those of countries like France and Germany, labeling them as mainstream proposals.
Alongside heightened healthcare spending, the Greens propose a one-off £20 billion capital investment fund to modernize hospital infrastructure and equipment. They intend to finance these initiatives through tax reforms targeting the wealthiest individuals, as outlined in their upcoming manifesto.
The Green Party’s tax proposals include a new Wealth Tax, starting at 1% on assets exceeding £10 million and rising to 2% on assets surpassing £1 billion. They also aim to align Capital Gains Tax with income tax bands and reform National Insurance contributions.
The party advocates for legislation to eliminate competition within the NHS and restrict the involvement of commercial entities.
In contrast, the Conservatives have pledged an additional £6.6 billion for the NHS and £7.5 billion for adult social care over three years. Labour’s proposals include improving NHS overtime pay and recruiting 8,500 additional mental health staff, funded by closing tax loopholes.
Amidst discussions on environmental policies, green industrialist Dale Vince, a former Green Party donor, announced increased funding for Labour, citing their potential to form a government with environmentally friendly policies. However, Mr. Ramsay argues that Labour’s environmental proposals are insufficient and criticizes their lack of substantial NHS funding plans. He emphasizes the Green Party’s commitment to transparency regarding necessary changes.
