Last year the British Red Cross declared that the NHS faced a ‘humanitarian crisis’ after our hospitals struggled over the winter period.
As we approach winter, the government must prevent another crisis by taking urgent action and help the vulnerable in our society.
In our annual party conference recently, Labour called on the government to commit a £500 million ‘winter bailout fund’ for the NHS.
We must avoid overcrowded Accident and Emergency Units and long waiting lists once again.
Lessons must be learnt from last winter.
Action also needs to be urgently taken to tackle the personal debt crisis that afflicts nearly a fifth of residents in Tower Hamlets.
Too many families in the East End struggle to repay their credit card debt.
To prevent this crisis from worsening, Labour has committed to capping interest payments.
Whether it’s our hospitals or personal debt obligations, the government needs to act now to ease the burden for people this winter.
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