Commenting on the government’s proposals outlined in the Queen’s Speech today (Thursday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“After years of playing Scrooge, the Conservatives now want to cast themselves as Father Christmas and the saviours of the NHS.
“But trying to claim credit for generosity when all they’re doing is loosening the tight grip they’ve held on resources for almost a decade won’t fool many.
“Simply writing into law plans to continue funding the NHS way below what’s needed will make underinvestment the new normal.
“Tackling the growing crisis in social care is the biggest challenge the Prime Minister faces. With his majority in Parliament, there can be no more excuses.
“It’s time for the government to stop wringing its hands and fix the problem ministers have failed to make a priority.
“Action at last to tackle hospital parking – the source of anxiety for NHS staff and patients – is much needed by all those who’ve been fleeced for years.
“But the changes don’t go far enough. It’s the profits of the greedy private parking firms that must be hit, not the income of cash-strapped NHS trusts.”
Notes to editors
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk