Truss Allegedly Mulled NHS Cancer Cuts Amid Budget Crisis, New Book Claims

In a startling revelation, a new book claims that Liz Truss, during her brief 49-day tenure as UK Prime Minister, contemplated drastic measures to address the fiscal crisis triggered by her controversial mini-Budget. The book, authored by Sir Antony Seldon and titled "Truss at 10: How Not to Be a Prime Minister," alleges that Truss considered cutting cancer treatment on the National Health Service (NHS) to plug the financial gap.

According to the book, Truss and her then-Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng discussed potential severe cuts in the wake of economic turmoil following their tax-cutting mini-Budget in September 2022. The pound's value plummeted, and interest rates surged, prompting desperate measures to address the fiscal hole.

The book recounts a conversation where Alex Boyd, one of Truss's senior advisers, was informed about the potential NHS cuts. The reaction from advisers was one of disbelief, with some reportedly claiming that Truss had "lost the plot." The former Prime Minister allegedly insisted on finding money, shouting, "The money is there. You go and find it."

Kwarteng, who served as Chancellor for just 38 days before being dismissed, told The Independent that while he wasn't involved in discussions about restricting healthcare, he couldn't rule out the possibility of such conversations occurring between the Prime Minister and her team.

The book also reveals other controversial proposals during Truss's short-lived administration. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, then a Cabinet minister, reportedly suggested a stunt to promote nuclear energy by docking a nuclear submarine in Liverpool and connecting it to the power grid. This idea was promptly dismissed by the Cabinet Secretary as impractical.

"She was undoubtedly clever and had objectives that she passionately believed in and wanted to achieve. There was a moral seriousness about her desire to stimulate growth in the economy and she was utterly consistent in that."

Despite the criticisms, Sir Antony Seldon offers a nuanced view of Truss's leadership. He suggests that she was a better Prime Minister than her predecessor, Boris Johnson, citing her clear objectives and consistency in pursuing economic growth.

The revelations in this book add to the ongoing discussion about the UK's healthcare system and political decision-making. The NHS, established in 1948, has long been a cornerstone of British society, providing free healthcare to all residents. Cancer treatment, one of the most expensive services offered by the NHS, has been a particular focus of public concern and political debate.

As of August 2024, nearly two years after these events, the impact of Truss's brief tenure continues to resonate in British politics. The book serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by political leaders and the potential consequences of hasty economic decisions.

A spokesperson for Liz Truss declined to comment on the book's claims, while Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg was approached for comment but did not respond at the time of writing.