Letter: Unfair to Straw the 'deceiver'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I was astonished to read your report (24 March) that the Labour Party is supposed to have a plan for a programme of hospital closures should we be elected on 1 May. We have no such plans. Indeed, specifically in relation to London, we have always said that we will put a moratorium on further hospital closures whilst we have a year-long independent review of the overall hospital needs of the capital city.
We have also recently outlined our proposals to insist in future - where a closure of a hospital or facility is suggested - that a public local hearing should be held, akin to a public inquiry, to give the local community the opportunity to cross-examine those putting forward any such proposal.
We have of course said that in government we will want to look at streamlining bureaucracy hierarchies in hospital trusts in order to release money that can be spent on patient care.
This does not however entail the closures of sites and facilities. Your reporter appears to have confused the two issues.
CHRIS SMITH MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Health
House of Commons
London SW1
The Editor writes: The Independent stands by its report.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments