Oral Question·Department of Health and Social Care
“What steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of people waiting for NHS treatment.”
Tabled: 19 November 2025Answered: 25 November 2025
Asked by
Elaine Stewart
Labour — Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Answer from Hansard
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
In England, for the first time in 15 years, waiting lists are falling. Through record investment and modernisation, we have cut backlogs by more than 230,000, and we smashed our target for additional appointments in our first year, delivering more than 5 million. There is a long way to go, but the NHS in England is on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, in Scotland the SNP cannot seem to get the car started.