We lost loved ones because the NHS was underfunded...not under-reformed

BEREAVED families who say their loved ones were killed by NHS delays have told the Government reform without money cannot deliver change.

- MARTIN BAGOT

Relatives delivered a petition of 10,000 signatures to No 10 demanding urgent investment in the Budget after a decade-long funding squeeze.

Samina Rahman's husband Iqbal, 58, died on Christmas Eve 2022 after his heart failed and an ambulance took more than 1hr 20min to arrive.

She said: "We live every day with the loss and trauma. Deliberate years of underfunding by the Conservatives led to us being so badly failed.

"Labour has a chance to restore our NHS to one we can trust to be there when we really need it.

That can only happen with proper investment."

Their demands come as Labour is preparing a 10-year plan for the NHS.

Today, Health Secretary Wes Streeting will launch a "national conversation" asking patients and staff to shape reforms.