Heidi Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, has called an Opposition Day Debate on the Government’s plans to scrap NHS bursaries for student nurses, midwives and other allied health professionals.

The debate will take place next Wednesday (4th May) and will be based on a cross-party motion signed by 139 MPs from all major parties.

The motion will call on the Government to “drop its plans to remove NHS bursaries” and consult on how best to fund and support the future healthcare workforce.

The move comes as the Royal College of Nursing, in a new position statement released today, has called on the Government to go “back to the drawing board” and rethink its plans on student nurse funding.

Heidi Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, said:

“Jeremy Hunt has spent months picking a fight with junior doctors and now he seems determined to start another one with the next generation of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

“The Tories’ decision to cut nurse training places during the last Parliament has already left hospital wards dangerously understaffed and patient care suffering as a result.

“However, this situation will only get worse if Ministers press ahead with their plans to scrap NHS bursaries and end up discouraging the future frontline staff we so desperately need.

“Next week the Tories have a clear choice: vote to invest in staff or take a reckless gamble with the future of the NHS workforce and with patient safety.”