"We must fight to the death to save the fundamental principle of free healthcare for all"

Vultures circle after Tories impose toughest financial straitjacket in NHS history

NHS turns 75 today (

Image: PA)

Happy 75th anniversary to the National Health Service - but we must fight to save and revive this vital public service if it is to last another 75 years.

Vultures are circling after the Tories imposed the tightest financial straitjacket in NHS history.

A record 7.4 million were waiting to start treatment at the end of April, three years after Covid arrived. And there are too few beds, scanners and staff.

Continuous progress is essential and NHS care has improved beyond recognition since it was established in 1948 by a Labor government. But we must fight to the death to save the fundamental and coherent principle of universal free healthcare for all.

The NHS deserves love and money, not shock therapy and accusations from those who don't value socialism in practice.

Off the tracks

The closure of almost all station ticket offices in England and Wales is another train wreck for a privatized rail industry which is at war with its passengers.

Closing up to 1,000 in the next three years is corporate vandalism.

This will be most detrimental to older, disabled, confused passengers or those seeking advice on which tickets to buy, as the machines and apps may be unfriendly.

Times are changing and few would argue that unused offices should stay open, but closing so many would be a privatized disaster.

Want you on

Loved and loved by millions of Daily Mirror readers and TV viewers, National Treasurer Fiona Phillips will not be alone in her battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Our Fiona will find the country has her back now that she has bravely gone public and joined the trials of a breakthrough new drug to find a cure for this cruel and debilitating disease.

Millions of us wish you, Fiona, and we send you the best wishes from everyone at the Daily Mirror.