Long NHS delays in England leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths, inquiry finds

The study, commissioned by Labour, is a damning critique of how years of neglect have left the NHS ‘in critical condition’. Photograph: Jeff Moore/PA

Long delays for hospital, GP and mental health services are leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths and have ruptured “the social contract between the NHS and the people”, an inquiry has concluded.

The findings of the study by Lord Ara Darzi, commissioned by Labour when it came to power, will be cited by the prime minister, Keir Starmer, who will on Thursday warn that the NHS has to “reform or die”.