I’d like to wish the NHS many happy returns on its 73rd birthday.

Our NHS has been at the heart of British society since 1948, when the Labour government made healthcare free at the point of access for all for the first time. Since then our fantastic healthcare workers have dedicated themselves to our health and wellbeing, and we owe them a debt of thanks.

The NHS’ value has been illustrated more than ever before during the COVID-19 pandemic, where we have seen healthcare workers go above and beyond – often putting their own health at risk – and we need to do all we can to protect the NHS and its founding values.

Happy birthday to the NHS and all who have worked in it!