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Boris Johnson And Sir Keir Starmer Celebrate The 72nd Birthday Of The NHS With Video Messages

By Rachael Grealish

After months, and years, of hard work the NHS celebrates its 72nd birthday today.

The National Health Service was introduced on July 5, 1948, by the Labour Party’s Minister for Health Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan.

Nye Bevan – image from Wikicommons

The NHS was born out of the idea that good healthcare should be available to all, regardless of wealth.

Bevan launched the public health care scheme to have at its heart three core principles: ‘That it meet the needs of everyone, that it be free at the point of delivery, and that it be based on clinical need, not ability to pay’.

Today, after years of dilution from Bevan’s original vision, people all over the UK are commemorating its birthday by celebrating the hard work of the NHS staff during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, posted a video on social media talking about his £34 billion investment while he said ‘happy birthday’ to the NHS.

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The leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, also shared a video on social media to commemorate the 72nd birthday of the scheme – during which he shared a story talking of his personal, heartbreaking, connection with the NHS.

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Last night, Saturday July 5, British landmarks were lit up blue in celebration and remembrance.

Downing Street, the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower, the Shard and the Wembley Arch were all illuminated and a minute’s silence was held to remember those who have died during the pandemic.

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Today people all over the UK are being encouraged to go out on to their doorsteps, one more, to clap for the NHS, at 5pm.