Demand for the NHS only continues to rise, and as the population ages, there are a growing number of widespread chronic conditions which will be increasingly expensive and challenging to address, without a credible and effective plan to fund the NHS and social care. 
 
As I am sure you are aware, the Prime Minister recently announced the Government's intention to provide the NHS with an additional £20.5 billion by 2023/24. This new investment is extremely welcome, and I hope you agree it demonstrates the Government's commitment to properly funding our NHS and public services. 
 
Alongside this, the NHS is expected to come up with a ten year plan to demonstrate how it will continue to improve patient care, offer world-class services, and increase productivity, which is so important in a taxpayer funded healthcare system. This will be further supported by a £10 billion programme of capital investment, to help the NHS build world-class infrastructure, as well as additional support for social care services.
 
The recent Budget sets out the precise details of how the Government can fully fund this investment and ensures that the NHS is financially sustainable in the long run. It is essential that our public services are supported by a strong and healthy economy, and I have every faith that the Government will foster the growth and economic dynamism the NHS needs to thrive.
 
I am proud of the Government's recent record on the NHS. Despite difficult financial circumstances, NHS investment has increased every year since 2010, and I believe this new investment will help to secure the NHS for the future.