Wes Streeting resigns as health secretary - his letter in full

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to inform you of my resignation as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, following the recent election results, which compel me to express my loss of confidence in your leadership. The outcome was significant, and while I acknowledge the achievements we have made, I believe there are pressing concerns about the current trajectory of our government.

I am proud to report that we have achieved the ambitious targets you initially set for me. Recent figures indicate that we have exceeded our waiting times target and successfully reduced waiting lists by 110,000 in March, marking the largest monthly decline outside of the Covid period since 2008. This reinforces our commitment to achieving the most rapid improvement in NHS waiting times in history.

In government, the critical measure is whether we leave our successors in a better position than what we inherited. Our ambulance response times for critical conditions like heart attacks and strokes are the fastest recorded in five years. Similarly, A&E waiting times are improving, with the four-hour waiting figures reflecting the best performance in five years. We have successfully recruited an additional 2,000 GPs, and patient satisfaction has risen from 60 percent to 74.5 percent since we took office. Furthermore, we achieved our target of recruiting 8,500 mental health staff three years ahead of schedule. All of this has been accomplished while maintaining a balanced budget for the first time in nine years and exceeding the 2 percent NHS productivity target at 2.8 percent. It is critical for the public to trust that their investments are yielding positive outcomes.

These accomplishments could not have been realized without the exceptional leadership team within the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS, particularly under the guidance of Samantha Jones and Sir Jim Mackey, whose contributions have been invaluable to our collective success.

The National Health Service embodies the very best of British values, and it is presently on a path to recovery, demonstrating that while much has been achieved, there remains an extensive agenda ahead.

Substantial reasons exist for my continued service, yet as discussed earlier this week, I find it necessary to resign, as maintaining my position under current circumstances would be both dishonorable and unprincipled.

The recent election results reflect an unprecedented defeat, both in scale and implications. For the first time, nationalist parties have gained power across all corners of the United Kingdom, including the concerning rise of English nationalism, represented by Nigel Farage and Reform UK. This phenomenon poses an existential threat not only to the integrity of the United Kingdom but also to the core values and ideals that have historically defined our nation. Progressive members of our society recognize this peril and our duty to confront it, yet there is a growing sense of disillusionment regarding the Labour Party's ability to fulfill its historic responsibility to combat racism and instill hope for a brighter future through social democracy.

There is no denying that the unpopularity of our government was a significant factor in the electoral setbacks we faced in England, Scotland, and Wales. Many dedicated Labour representatives suffered losses due to circumstances beyond their control. Several factors contributed to this situation, including individual policy missteps, such as the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance, alongside the “island of strangers” speech, which fostered confusion about our identity and principles.

I acknowledge your numerous strengths, including your leadership during a formidable campaign in 2024, which resulted in a victory many thought was unattainable. I have admired your courage and statesmanship, particularly in maintaining Britain’s position during international conflicts, such as the ongoing tensions in Iran.

However, a vision is needed where there currently exists a void. Where decisive direction is required, we seem to be adrift. This sentiment was underscored in your recent speech. True leadership necessitates accountability, yet too frequently this has led to others assuming the blame. It is imperative for you to engage with your colleagues, including backbenchers, as a more inclusive approach to dissenting voices enriches our political landscape.

As a former member of your government, I understand that governance is a complex endeavor, intrinsically tied to the well-being of our nation. We face numerous challenges, many of which have never before been encountered; notably, the impending generational legacy that may be worse than that of previous cohorts. The current geopolitical climate, characterized by conflicts throughout Europe and the Middle East, exacerbates our challenges. We stand on the precipice of a technological industrial revolution, presenting significant implications across all facets of life, especially concerning the future of work. It remains uncertain whether the 21st century will be defined by democracy or tyranny. After enduring the financial crisis, austerity measures, the repercussions of Brexit, the turmoil surrounding the Liz Truss administration, the Covid pandemic, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and now Iran, it is essential for the citizens of our country to believe that improvement is feasible and that politics can contribute positively, rather than represent the core of our issues. We face grave challenges that demand robust vision and comprehensive solutions, which we have yet to put forth.

It is increasingly evident that you will not lead the Labour Party into the forthcoming general election, and I believe it is crucial for Labour MPs and Labour unions to engage in a debate centered on ideas rather than personalities or petty factionalism. This discourse must be broad and open to the best possible candidates. I support this approach and trust that you will promote it.

Serving as your Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has been an incredible honor, and despite the challenges we have faced this week, I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve in your government. It is with a heavy heart that I resign.

Yours sincerely,

The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP