Boris Johnson to demand 拢100m extra a week for the NHS
The Foreign Secretary says the Health Service should get more money before the UK stops paying the EU.
Tuesday 23 January 2018 07:15, UK
Boris Johnson is expected to use today's Cabinet meeting to demand an extra 拢100m a week for the NHS, before the UK has stopped contributing to the European Union.
It is understood he wants the health service budget boosted from March next year, when the UK formally leaves the EU, although contributions to Brussels will continue during a two-year transition period until 2021.
Last week, Mr Johnson reopened a row over his controversial claim that leaving the EU will save Britain £350m per week - insisting the figure was too low.
Mr Johnson's demand for extra cash comes as Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt prepares to update ministers on the NHS winter crisis and against a background of moaning from some Tories that Theresa May's Government lacks boldness.
On Monday Sir Nicholas Soames became the latest Tory backbencher to voice unease about the style of the Prime Minister's administration, after former minister Nick Boles warned of "timidity and lack of ambition".
Using one of the extended hashtags which have become his social media trademark, Sir Nicholas asked: "Where's the bold and brave? So far, it's dull, dull, dull."
"It really won't be enough to get people to vote against The Corbini," warned Sir Nicholas.
"They must have really sound reasons to vote Conservative.
"We really need to get on with this.
#wherestheboldandbravesofaritsdulldulldull."
Sir Nicholas's comments came just days after Mr Boles warned the PM it was "time to raise your game" and claimed her Government "constantly disappoints".