It was a Wednesday to remember. The ten hour Syria debate was pretty much packed out – I could not get a seat initially. However, I must be in the Speaker’s good books as he called me early to speak. Some of the speeches were exceptional with Hilary Benn’s being truly extraordinary whilst his Leader’s was pedestrian to put it mildly.
But this was not the 2003 Iraq debate (at which I voted against what became the Iraq war). We were not being asked to approve the deployment of the full suite of Armed Forces against a functioning State. This vote was to green light the extension of RAF air strikes against the death cult ISIL across the border that it doesn’t recognise into Syria. The logic for a yes vote on this occasion was clear.
The shadow of Iraq as Tony Blair’s war still hangs over the Labour Party and now Syria looks like dividing it at least as much. Many very senior and respected Labour MPs spoke against the party line and supported the government. I don’t see how this can go on for the Opposition despite the apparent takeover of the party membership by the hard left.
I have been getting messages about short notice cancellation of operations, often on the very morning of admission. Our NHS is running hot which means it is poorly placed to accommodate sudden surges in demand such as a run of emergencies. Because of this lack of flex, when demand peaks it has to cancel routine work. Part of the problem is the inability to move people on. Lack of social care following the deficit reducing budget squeeze on local government is partially to blame and that’s why in the autumn budget statement the Chancellor allowed councils to increase taxes to pay for care. However, I think reimagining community hospital beds that we have lost would help.
Step up and step down care close to where people live is cheaper than unnecessarily keeping them in large district general hospitals, and it’s better for patients and their families. So, with our local situation in mind, I called for a debate on Thursday on the issue. I’ll be pressing this further with health ministers.