MP slams Hunt over NHS pay

CLAIMS the country can’t afford small pay rises for millions of NHS workers is untenable when the Government is announcing plans that will cost more, says Oldham MP Michael Meacher.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said a one per cent increase would cost about £500 million and was unaffordable. But Oldham West and Royton MP Mr Meacher said the remark was “deliberately provocative” and contradicted other ministers - including Chancellor George Osborne - who said it was affordable.

Mr Meacher said: “Mr Hunt’s case is untenable when the government is currently adopting measures which cost more than the NHS sum at issue. ”