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David Cameron: Fantastic NHS always there for loved ones
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor20 Aug 2009
David Cameron made an emotional defence of the NHS today as he sought to kill off Labour attacks over health policy.
In what appeared to be a reference to his late son Ivan, the Conservative leader said the health service was always there “the moment something happens to someone you love”.
After days of fending off claims that his party lacked commitment to the NHS, Mr Cameron emphasised that huge numbers of Tories relied on, worked in and volunteered for it.
Tory MEP Daniel Hannan triggered the row when he told American TV viewers that the health service was a “60-year mistake” that he “wouldn't wish on anyone”. Today Mr Cameron went on the offensive, declaring only the Tories were committed to a real-terms increase in health spending and to vital reforms to improve the system.
He said he wanted to make “crystal clear our wholehearted commitment to the NHS”, describing it as “a fantastic and precious fact of British life”.
And he added: “The moment you're injured or fall ill, the moment something happens to someone you love, you know that, whoever you are, wherever you're from, whatever's wrong, however much you've got in the bank, there's a place you can go where people will look after you and do their best to make things right again.
“That's why we're committed to the NHS, and to the principle of a health care system that is free at the point of use, based on need and not the ability to pay.”
Mr Cameron emphasised that he wanted a reformed health service and vowed to replace Labour's “process targets” with “actual health outcome measures”.
Mr Cameron's “beautiful boy” Ivan died in February aged six. He was regularly treated in NHS hospitals and the Tory leader and his wife, Samantha, have repeatedly paid tribute to the medics, nurses and paramedics who treated their son.
Reader views (10)
I'm sorry but I think you are all misjudging David Cameron. Anyone who has had a serious illness here in GB can rely on the NHS regardless of how much money you have in the bank, etc. that's not the case elsewhere.
I was diagnosed with cancer last year and wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else for my treatment - it was first class. I wouldn't be here without the NHS. The USA is very very different. At a time when you're worried about whether you're going to be here next year they have to worry about whether the insurance company will fund their tests and treatment. Shouldn't be that way!
- Marilyn Tomlinson, Manchester, 20/08/2009 19:45
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The Tories as a party will dismantle the NHS despite his views.
NO-ONE earning under £40 grand a year will be better off under the Tories and anyone earning under 20 grand better get their bags packed as there will be no place for you in Camerons new society.
No body under the age of 45 really remembers what the days of Tory rule were like.
- Huxley, Keighley UK, 20/08/2009 18:06
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I would have possibly believed him if it hadn't taken him so long to respond and defend the NHS.
- Sam, London, 20/08/2009 17:12
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When are we going to be able to vote for someone we want rather than having to choose who we hate the least at the polling booth?
- Simon, London, 20/08/2009 16:31
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Cameron is a veteran of the advertising world and as such is the king of spin. I've know idea what he has been involved in selling the British public in the past. Was his firm involved in the sale of fags and booze, private medical cover by any chance, or perhaps the Emperor's new clothes. I can't frankly believe a word he says
- Steve S, London, 20/08/2009 12:39
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Good to hear old boy.Dave,it looks like you are going to fix everything which would be great.Could you let the voters know when,or if,your party are ever going to come up with some policies.I know the last time you had policies you got hammered at the polls,but its hard to evan start thinking of voting for a party that has no policies.
- David, london, 20/08/2009 12:33
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Here we go again when are the parties going to stop putting each other down, stop acting like kids and start working together for the better of the country rather than arguing with each other. A coalition worked for this country once before why not try it again. Each party has good ideas and these should be shared rather than one party putting the other down. This country was once called GREAT BRITAIN what a joke now.
- Janet Durham, cambridge, Cambs, 20/08/2009 12:06
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The Mail reports today that the Tories are to hike alcohol taxes. This is a deliberate attempt to cripple the man and woman who go down the pub for a drink. Dis,amtling the NHS will only hit the poor of Britain once again
- Keith Price, Luton England, 20/08/2009 09:56
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These are rich words indeed for a party that is committed to dismantling the NHS. cameron says one thing, and his MPs say different. Why should anyone believe him ?
- Keith Price, Luton England, 20/08/2009 09:45
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If you believe this,you will believe anything,watch out for flying pigs.
- Colin, Bristol, 20/08/2009 09:39
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