NHS Winter Crisis

Debate between Andrew Murrison and Jonathan Ashworth

Wednesday 10th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Jonathan Ashworth]

Yes, I will. I of course thank the NHS staff. Of course, if the hon. Lady wanted to thank the NHS staff, she could have supported us when we brought in motions to give them a fair pay rise, but I do not think she did so.

[Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con)]

rose—

[Jonathan Ashworth]

I give way to the hon. Gentleman, who I know always wants to contribute to such debates, but then I will make some progress.

[Dr Murrison]

The hon. Gentleman is extremely generous, and I always follow his remarks with a great deal of interest. Any cancellation is appallingly bad, but does he understand that the worst possible cancellation is one on the day of surgery, which is clinically unacceptable? Will he give the system credit for at least trying to introduce some sort of planning this year, for the first time that I can remember since 1984?