Labour’s NHS policy descended into chaos this afternoon, after John McDonnell overruled shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth to confirm that Labour’s devastating 4 day working week WOULD apply to the NHS.

It follows analysis that found that Labour’s plans for a four-day week would cost the NHS £6.1 billion every year.

Labour’s own research into shorter working hours has warned that a 35 hour week would hit hospitals and cause staff shortages – meaning that McDonnell’s plans for an even shorter 32 hour week could cause even more chaos within the NHS.

Labour’s confirmation that the NHS would be hit with a four-day week means the party now has questions to face about which other public services would be hit. Schools? The police? The military?

It also raises the question of why Labour is introducing a policy that its own research shows will hit hospitals.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:

“Corbyn’s Labour need to come clean on their plans to cut the NHS. How can anyone trust them on the NHS when they refuse to be straight with people about such a fundamental issue like the future of our NHS.

“Corbyn’s health spokesman toured the TV studios this morning claiming that their plans for a four-day working week would not apply to the NHS. But now the shadow chancellor says it will after all. Voters deserve to know the truth.

“Labour’s own policy documents say that their plans will hit hospitals and impact staff numbers. Jeremy Corbyn’s incompetence will mean that patients will get worse care.

“Just like with their confused Brexit policy, Labour are in complete chaos. This is further proof that we can’t afford the Cost of Corbyn.”