MP, Shadow Secretary of State
for Health and Social Care, CPC 2025
Speech
“Good morning conference
When I took on this job as Shadow Secretary of State Health and
Social Care I did so in the knowledge that we have a huge
challenge
Because even though we all in this Hall have been treated by our
NHS
And Some of our families and friends' lives have been saved by
our NHS
We all also have something else in common.
As members of the Conservative family, we've all been accused of
wanting to undermine the core principles of our National Health
Service,
So let me clear from the outset, the National Health Service will
always be free at the point of use under the next Conservative
Government.
And we'll strengthen it, harness it and make it even better.
Because I've seen what our health services in this country do
everyday for people,
Before becoming an MP, I worked in the hospice movement and saw
the wonderful services they provide to children and adults across
the country.
When families face the most challenging times in their lives, our
hospice movement and the NHS is there to support them.
Always.
But let's look at what this Labour Government has done in 14
months.
Strikes despite huge pay rises that signed off on.
Remember when he told us to ‘get around the table?' Well perhaps
he should listen to his own advice.
Because more strikes are threatened.
And remember when they criticised NHS reorganisation plan, well
they have now started a reorganisation without any funding
allocated to deliver it.
Now I'm not against reforming our NHS, conference, the
Conservatives always back good reforms, but we are a party that
always makes sure we have the money to pay for it and the will to
deliver it.
Because our NHS staff need certainty, certainty to do the job
that they love with stability,
And a clear direction from their government.
But conference I also want to be constructive in opposition,
where Government seeks to bring about meaningful and effective
reform we will not oppose for the sake of opposition.
We will look at the detail. We will ask the difficult questions
and where we can agree we will be constructive.
Because at the end of the day we want a NHS that works for the
patient
It was in that spirit that in my first week in this job I
attended the cross-party talks on the future of social care.
For too long governments of both colours have failed to address
the increasing demands on social care,
Which is putting strain on NHS budgets, local government budgets
and the personal budgets of families across the country.
We will engage in these talks in the spirit of seeking a genuine
long-term solution.
It's not going to be easy, but I believe it's the right to sit
down and talk to find the areas where we can agree.
My vision is simple: a health and care system where patients are
in control, staff are valued, and innovation is harnessed to save
lives and improve wellbeing.
This isn't about ideology, it's about outcomes. Whether you are a
patient waiting for surgery, a carer looking after a loved one,
or a nurse working a night shift, what matters is not the
politics, it's whether the system delivers.
And I am ably assisted in this task with a fantastic shadow
health and social care team, who have real experience in the
sectors. Thank you to Dr , Dr , Lord Kamal, Dr Neil and .
Now, clearly, we as a party are embarking on a major policy
renewal programme, and today, for what is I think the first time
ever, you will have an opportunity to vote on what you think
should be the key priorities of the next Conservative Government.
To help in that task I'm delighted to be joined by CBE, who will be advocating
that we need to use technology to build a truly 21st century
national health service.
Dr Kartik Kavi, who is a GP who will argue we need to get
patients out of hospitals and into primary care.
Former Olympic Swimmer Sharron Davies who will make the case for
prevention being better than cure
And Dr Robert Kilgour who is the founder of the social care
foundation who will argue for reform of our social care system.
Before I call our first speaker, please scan the QR code on the
screen so that you can download the app and you can take part in
that vote.
Now let's begin.”
