BASINGSTOKE'S MP Luke Murphy has reacted to an announcement from Wes Streeting that the town's new hospital won't be built until at least 2037.
Making a speech in the House of Commons today, January 20, the Labour Secretary of State said that all hospital programmes will be 'delivered' but that those in wave three, including Basingstoke, will have to wait.
Labour politician, MP Luke Murphy, who has previously pledged his support for Basingstoke's new hospital, reassuring residents that the building was a 'priority, has reacted to the news.
READ MORE: Basingstoke's new hospital won't be built until AT LEAST 2035
In a statement to the Gazette, Mr Murphy said that residents will 'no doubt be disappointed and angry on hearing the news' adding that he 'shares their anger and disappointment'.
He explained that Basingstoke is a 'growing town and needs a new hospital, adding: "We’re a growing town, with health demand increasing by the day, and the current hospital building does not allow for the standard of healthcare that people in our area both need and deserve.
"However, what we have now, in sharp contrast to the situation under the previous government, is a credible plan to deliver it – on a realistic timeline."
The politician added that the announcement 'confirms the truth' that the Conservatives' pledge to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030 was 'false'.
He continued: "Just last week, the independent Infrastructure Projects Authority gave the programme a red risk rating, saying the project was “unachievable” in its current state.
"Funding was set to run out this March, and the hospital programme had already faced years of delays. Our government has acted to end the false promises and set out a realistic and affordable plan.
"Today’s news is difficult, but I will keep campaigning for a new hospital in Basingstoke, holding the government to this timeline and pushing for any possible acceleration.
"Improving access to GPs and primary care is a top priority for me, which is why this morning I invited GPs, pharmacists, representatives from the hospital trust, and the Integrated Care Board to discuss how we can work together to improve health care for patients across our town.
"I am also hosting a public meeting at the end of this month to get people’s views on the government’s proposed 10-year plan for the NHS.”
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