PM still committed to QEH and James Paget hospital rebuilds

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn and the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston are both set to be replaced after being included in the new hospitals programme of the previous government.

But doubt has been cast over the projects after chancellor Rachel Reeves said the scheme's funding was being placed under review.

And last week, health minister Karin Smith described the scheme as "unachievable" in a Commons debate.

Now though, PM Sir Keir has insisted the new government is still planning to press ahead with the rebuilds - albeit with question marks over the timescale.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Image: Newsquest / Chris Bishop)

James Paget Hospital (Image: Newsquest)

During a conference hosted by The King's Fund, the PM was asked directly whether Labour was still committed to delivering all 40 hospital building projects.

The PM said: "Yes, we are."

However, he went on to say the last government's programme was "undeliverable" and that "this is exactly what is wrong with politics".

He added: "We reviewed it, we will deliver against it, but I want a realistic timetable of delivery so I can look people in the eyes and tell them we are going to do it, and this is how we're going to do it, not just make a promise which is unbelievable in the true sense of the word."

It comes after chancellor Ms Reeves said the new hospitals programme would not be completed by 2030, as the Conservatives had promised. 

(Image: Newsquest)

Earlier this week, North West Norfolk MP James Wild wrote to health secretary Wes Streeting calling for commitment to the project.

He said: "Staff, patients, independent building experts and everyone in west Norfolk knows the hospital must be rebuilt due to its concrete issues.

"The clock is ticking and we need to get on with it."