A Question Time audience member expressed outrage over Labour’s suggestion that weight-loss jabs could ease the strain on the NHS. Speaking during the program in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, she called the idea “absolutely ludicrous” and argued there is no quick fix for Britain’s obesity crisis.
The woman, whose brother died of cancer at age 44, criticised Wes Streeting’s proposal, saying it was not well thought out and questioned the safety of the drugs. “Who’s going to monitor the side effects?” she asked, noting that this is a new drug with incomplete research on its long-term effects.
Labour Criticised for Inaction on NHS
The audience member went on to criticise Labour for blaming the previous government instead of focusing on fixing the NHS. She emphasized that NHS staff morale is at an all-time low and called on Labour to prioritise the health service.
“You need to stop blaming the previous government and start acting,” she said. “The NHS is at boiling point. When are you going to recognize that and invest in cancer treatment and other critical services?”
Ash Sarkar’s Response
Political commentator Ash Sarkar also weighed in on the debate, expressing concern that weight-loss jabs could be treated as a tool of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). “It’s a healthcare decision, not something for the DWP to decide,” she said, adding that sending job coaches into hospitals to address mental health issues is inappropriate.
She further criticised Labour’s plan to fix the NHS, comparing it to “painting the kitchen while the roof is leaking.” She argued that 14 years of Conservative austerity have left the country poorer and less healthy, with these health issues disproportionately affecting poorer regions.
Labour’s Response
Douglas Alexander, Labour’s Minister for Trade Policy, acknowledged the dire state of the NHS. He expressed condolences to the woman who spoke and agreed that the health service is “in really bad shape.” He stressed that Labour is committed to delivering on its promise of 40,000 extra appointments every week.
Alexander added that the recent surge in obesity and other health challenges has placed an extra burden on the NHS. He also echoed the Health Secretary’s comments that the new generation of weight-loss drugs, like Mounjaro, could help reduce NHS costs and improve employment rates.
Conservative Perspective
Former Tory MP Damian Green added that while weight-loss drugs might help some people, it’s important to focus on lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise. “Medicalising this problem should be the last resort,” he said, noting that the long-term effects of these drugs are still unknown.
Labour’s proposal includes trials in Greater Manchester to study the impact of weight-loss jabs on reducing worklessness and NHS service use.
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