'If NHS was properly funded and staffed it wouldn't need to rely on private sector'

Before the election, made clear he was prepared to use the private sector to ease waiting lists.

The Secretary argued that, as long as it remains free at the point of delivery, were more concerned about receiving treatment than who provides the service. Even so, it is still dispiriting that private firms are reportedly queuing up for £1billion worth of contracts.

Evidence shows companies cherry-pick easy and profitable procedures, and leave the NHS to pick up the pieces if complications arise. They also charge more overall and draw away staff – trained thanks to government subsidies – from the health service.

Many will understand why Mr Streeting feels he has no option in the short-term to turn to outside organisations if he is rescue the health service from years of neglect under the . But it would be far better if the NHS were properly funded and staffed so it did not need to rely on the private sector.

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Tax must rise

No government wants to raise taxes. Yet that is the reality that confronts as she prepares for this month’s Budget. The Chancellor inherited a dismal legacy from the Tories, one far worse than expected.

If she is to plug the economic hole left by her predecessors, and maintain public spending, she has no option but to increase taxation. The government has ruled out increasing VAT, national insurance and income tax, but Ms Reeves still has room to manoeuvre.

Revenue could be raised by hiking capital gains tax, paid on the sale of second homes and shares, and ending inheritance tax relief. When money is tight it is all the more important that those with the broadest shoulders carry the greatest burden.

Christmas past

Vintage gifts and foods are all the rage this , with Millennials buying toys they liked as kids such as Furbys. There is clearly no present like the past.