NHS Waiting List Falls for the First Time in Years

In the government's first year, the NHS waiting list fell from 7.6 million to 7.4 million and the proportion of patients treated within the 18-week constitutional standard rose from 58.8% to 61.3%, as NHS staff carried out record numbers of treatments. The government committed to hitting 65% within 18 weeks and cutting year-plus waits below 1% of the list by March 2026, using an expanded deal with the private sector, more surgical hubs, and community diagnostic centres.

Keir Starmer — Labour Party

In power 2024–2026