Tory MP caught on tape: Time to look at cutting the NHS

Tory MP Kwasi Kwarteng has landed himself in hot water after being caught on tape predicting more Tory cuts to the NHS. Saying that there has so far been a “consensus” on ring-fencing health spending, a possible reference to David Cameron’s pledge not to cut the NHS in 2010, Kwarteng told a right wing think tank he expected the consensus would soon come under pressure.

Speaking at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on November 24th, Kwarteng said:

“It’s common knowledge that there has been a consensus on international aid… that we should ring-fence that, [and] on health spending. I think that consensus will be under a lot of strain given the budget realities. That will force change in the political discussion.”

Although the Conservatives have been forced to admit that they have cut NHS spending, raising the prospect of further cuts to the health service will not go down well with senior Tories.

You can hear his full comments on ring-fencing here:

Kwarteng also suggested that promising tax cuts before the deficit is cleared was “a con”, in what will be seen as another attack at his party’s leadership. David Cameron used his conference speech this year to pledge £7.2bn worth of tax cuts. He said:

“The thing is that you can’t reduce taxes really without reducing spending, I mean it’s a con. If you’re trying to reduce taxes and you are keeping spending the same then something has to give, you’ve got to borrow. It really that simple that relationship.”

Hear the full audio here:

With the comments emerging just hours before Osborne is due to give his final Autumn Statement, it seems the Chancellor’s day couldn’t have got off to a worse start. Even his own MPs don’t believe he will cut taxes.

Labour MP Jon Ashworth reacted to the embarrassing comments by saying:

“This recording shows that Tory MPs don’t like David Cameron’s promise to protect the NHS and will fight it if they win the next election. It just proves what we’ve always said: You can’t trust the Tories on the NHS.

“George Osborne will offer the country only missed targets and tax cons. When even Tory MPs tear in to Tory plans, people will know they cannot trust promises made by George Osborne or David Cameron.”