Rishi Sunak said he is committed to investing in the NHS amid fears plans to replace Watford General Hospital with a new building has stalled.

At his first Prime Minister’s Questions held on Wednesday, October 26, Rishi Sunak was asked by St Albans MP Daisy Cooper whether he stood by the Conservative Party 2019 manifesto commitment to build 40 new hospitals - which could include a new building in Watford.

Ms Cooper, who is also the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for health and social care, asked: “West Hertfordshire’s hospital trust in my area is still hoping to receive funds from the New Hospitals Programme - the same programme that is supposed to deliver the government’s so-called 40 new hospitals.

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“There’s been a lot of speculation that the new prime minister and his chancellor might seek to cut infrastructure projects.

“Can the prime minister confirm to me that my local hospital trust and all the other local hospital trusts that are set to benefit from the New Hospitals Programme will in fact get that money. Yes or no?”

Mr Sunak who assumed office yesterday following the resignation of Liz Truss, said difficult decisions will need to be made.

He said: “The chancellor will set out his plans in the Autumn Statement shortly.

“This is the government that put in place plans which will remain to significantly increase capital expenditure.

“Even though difficult decisions do need to be made, I think the country can rest assured we will continue to invest in our future productivity and indeed our public services like the NHS.”

St Albans & Harpenden Review: A rebuild of Watford General Hospital could look like this, in the form of three blocks including one up to 17 storeys. Image: BDP/West Herts NHS TrustA rebuild of Watford General Hospital could look like this, in the form of three blocks including one up to 17 storeys. Image: BDP/West Herts NHS Trust

The Conservative Party manifesto for the 2019 general election pledged to “give the NHS its biggest ever cash boost with 20 hospital upgrades and 40 new hospitals”.

The Autumn Statement will now take place on November 17 instead of October 31 to give the new chancellor a chance to update parliament and the country on the government’s plans for the economy.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor had raised concerns about the new hospital’s timeline.

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said it is inaccurate to suggest there is a delay to the Conservative’s manifesto.

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