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Johnson faces probe over pledge to build 40 new hospitals

BORIS JOHNSON is facing an investigation over his election promise to build 40 new hospitals by 2030, sparking fresh anger from NHS campaigners. 

Doubt has been cast on the Tories 2019 general election manifesto pledge over whether the plans are value for money due to spiralling inflation and whether the hospitals will in fact be new.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has decided to carry out a “value for money review” after shadow health secretary Wes Streeting wrote to the NAO comptroller Gareth Davies warning that the plans were a waste of taxpayers’ money.

The Labour MP said many NHS trusts are still awaiting funds to be allocated and many are in fact alterations or refurbishments not “new hospitals.”

In a letter to the shadow health secretary, Mr Davies confirmed that he was already preparing a full value for money review into the entire scheme. 

The NAO’s intervention has prompted further criticism of Mr Johnson’s beleaguered government and accusations of dishonesty. 

“The election manifesto promise now looks to be another example of the Conservatives overpromising and underdelivering,” Mr Streeting said. 

Labour MP Kate Osborne told the Star: “Boris Johnson claimed 40 new hospitals when we know the plans were just for five.

“As has been proven time and again he is a liar and not fit to hold office.”

Liz Peretz of Oxfordshire Keep our NHS Public said she was glad the NAO was “calling the government out.”

National campaign lead for Your NHS Needs You, Marshajane Thompson, said: “These hospitals are a mirage, a soundbite for him to repeat while he runs the NHS down.

“NHS England waiting lists rocketing and a huge staffing crisis — yet Boris responds by cutting NHS staff Covid sick pay.

“Our NHS is desperate for new investment and for new hospitals and new wings — but this alone cannot help the NHS recover from this crisis it is facing.”

Ms Thompson added: “We must drive out all those putting profits before patient care and renationalise those parts of the NHS that have been sold off.”

The Department of Health and Social Care insisted: “We are on track to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030.”

Your NHS Needs You is arranging a comedy night on July 12 to raise funds to fight to renationalise the NHS. Tickets can be obtained through www.yournhsneedsyou.com

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