The Health Secretary recently visited Reading. In a manner not unlike the frequent episodes of performative outrage when Labour Ministers attempt to deflect from the Government’s many shortcomings, he proclaimed “I am so angry” about the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Not an unusual feeling among Cabinet members sent out to defend the indefensible.
So are we – about Labour breaking its promises. The now Labour MP for Earley and Woodley unequivocally promised that under a Labour Government the RBH redevelopment would begin before the next General Election in 2029 in a debate on BBC Radio Berkshire during the 2024 General Election. Not only that but she also said that she had discussed the issue with the now Chancellor and had been assured the new hospital would go ahead under a Labour Government.
Far from delivering a new hospital as was promised, Labour has delayed this programme, pushing back building work by at least a decade. Furthermore, in April 2025 our Labour MP voted “no” on a parliamentary motion to speed up delivery of a replacement for the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
This is part of a wider pattern. The Labour Government is continually failing to live up to their pre-election promises but blame everyone else for their mistakes. We can see this happening across Government from the Prime Minister down.
Labour promised not to raise taxes on “working people”, yet during the last Budget in November, they froze Income Tax thresholds, pushing up tax for many across the country. Labour increased Employers’ National Insurance, hitting business owners. This tax increase has also affected employees. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said that a third of businesses facing higher National Insurance bills would cut jobs.
Last week the International Monetary Fund downgraded Britain’s economic growth forecast for 2026 to 0.8%, the largest downgrade in the G7. This is a reflection on the decisions and choices of the Chancellor. Her increase in Employers’ National Insurance has led to increases in inflation and unemployment, businesses especially in the hospitality industry are struggling with business rates increases, and she is planning the first hike in fuel duty in 15 years despite the ongoing global uncertainty. Her ‘plan’ to keep costs down has left us with the highest inflation in the G7, with businesses closing and the cost-of-living skyrocketing.
Labour’s manifesto said: “Too many patients have seen their treatment affected by strikes. Labour will reset relations with NHS staff”. Yet, doctors’ strikes have continued under Labour with the most recent one ending just last week.
It’s not just at a national level that Labour lets down its voters. You only have to look at the Birmingham bin strike saga, which has cost taxpayers £33 million, seen rubbish pile up and residents reporting vermin infestations, to recognise Labour in local government cannot be trusted either. Labour-run St Helens Council repaired just 3% of roads ear marked for repair. Labour-run Nottingham City Council bankrupted itself trying to set up an energy company and residents are still paying the price.
On 7th May, you will get the chance to vote in local elections, to choose councillors who will deliver and are on your side. Send a message to Labour that enough is enough, and vote Conservative.
By Cllr Pauline Jorgensen
