Queen's speech enshrines support for the NHS and nurses in law

The Queen's Speech gives top priority to supporting the NHS and its workforce and sets out cross-party consensus intentions for social care reform.

"For the first time, the National Health Service’s multi-year funding settlement, agreed earlier this year, will be enshrined in law."

The Queen's Speech has set out the Government's plans for the NHS and social care.

For the NHS the Government will enshrine in law its financial commitment to one of its leading election pledges: The National Health Service.

The government is proposing two NHS bills: an NHS funding bill, and an NHS long-term plan bill.

The key piece of legislation is an additional £33.9 billion per year cash increase in funding to be provided by 2023-2024.

For social care there is no financial pledge to be committed to law. But the Government will proceed with its electoral suggestion that it should be a subject that takes centre stage and built upon cross-party consensus.

What the Queen said:

"For the first time, the National Health Service’s multi-year funding settlement, agreed earlier this year, will be enshrined in law.

"Steps will be taken to grow and support the National Health Service’s workforce and a new visa will ensure qualified doctors, nurses and health professionals have fast- track entry to the United Kingdom.

"Hospital car parking charges will be removed for those in greatest need.

"My ministers will seek cross-party consensus on proposals for long term reform of social care.

"They will ensure that the social care system provides everyone with the dignity and security they deserve and that no one who needs care has to sell their home to pay for it.

"My ministers will continue work to reform the Mental Health Act."

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