There are now seven million people waiting for hospital treatment in England – a shocking one in eight of the population.
Behind this bald statistic lie heartbreaking stories of those in pain, fearful for the future and of families frantic about loved ones.
There is no doubt Covid put extra pressures on the health service. But it is Tory neglect which has left the NHS on its knees.
It wasn’t always this way. Under Labour it was possible to see your GP within 48 hours.
Now you will be lucky to get an appointment within two weeks.
This is the consequence of the Tory failure to invest in the NHS and social care.
It comes from cutting the public health budget and refusing to recruit enough doctors and nurses.
The dedication of those who work in the health service is not for a moment in question.
What is in question is this shambolic Government’s commitment to a universal health service – and whether it even cares.
Boot out bigots
Qatar should never have been awarded the honour of hosting the World Cup.
This is a country that has repeatedly trampled on human rights and turned a blind eye to the exploitation of migrant workers.
And it is also a nation where same-sex relationships can be punished by death.
Thankfully, there are those in the game who are willing to speak out.
They include Gary Lineker. In today’s Mirror he says it would send a strong message if a gay footballer in the Premier League decided to come out during the World Cup.
The best way to counter oppression and bigotry is to publicly champion inclusion and tolerance.
Rocky patch
Plans for the coronation have run into trouble over whether or not the Queen Consort should wear a crown bearing the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
Let’s hope the dispute can be resolved before someone cuts up rough.
