Heidi Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on Boris Johnson’s claims leaving the EU could help address the NHS funding crisis, said:

“No-one should trust a word Boris Johnson says on the NHS – especially when his claims are as misleading and simplistic as this.

“The NHS funding crisis has nothing to do with our membership of the European Union, and everything to do with years of underfunding by the Tory Government supported by Michael Gove and Boris Johnson. 

“A range of experts, including the IMF, have warned that leaving the EU would damage our economy and risk plunging our NHS into an even deeper financial crisis, ultimately damaging patient care.

“Boris should listen to the biggest health service union, Unison, who have made it clear that the NHS is better protected by staying in the EU.”