Photo credit: Linkedin @reckitt
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Hull today to unveil a sweeping set of reforms, including the abolition of NHS England and a broader shake-up of government operations. Speaking at Reckitt’s Hull campus, Starmer declared his mission to “bring the NHS back at the heart of government where it belongs,” dismantling what he called a “bloated bureaucracy” and redirecting resources to frontline healthcare.
The decision to scrap NHS England—a body established in 2012—will cut around 10,000 administrative jobs and save hundreds of millions annually, with funds reinvested into reducing waiting times and hiring medical staff. Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended the move, arguing that it would make the NHS “simpler, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of the British public.”
Hull, a historic hub for healthcare and innovation, provided the backdrop for Starmer’s announcements. Reckitt, the global health giant behind brands like Nurofen and Dettol, hosted the Prime Minister at its Science & Innovation Centre. Chief Research & Development Officer Angela Taha Naef highlighted Reckitt’s role in supporting public health and easing pressure on the NHS, stating, “We are proud to be fueling innovation here in Hull and across the UK.”
Beyond healthcare, Starmer hinted at a major review of all arms-length government bodies, aiming to streamline services and focus spending on working people. This pragmatic approach, often associated with Conservative-led deregulation, signals a sharp shift in Labour’s governance style.
With these radical reforms, the Prime Minister is betting big on efficiency over bureaucracy—an approach that could redefine the role of the state while making Hull a focal point for national change.