NEWS of spiralling NHS repair costs will be a shock and a concern to the millions of working people who rely on NHS services day in and day out. But anyone familiar with the parlous state of public services in Britain and the parasitic nature of privatisation will not be surprised.

Public services are and must be a key focal point for the left and labour movement in 2025. They are a key area to mobilise resistance to renewed austerity under Keir Starmer’s Labour government and to build the broad united front of trade unions and community groups needed to win real change for working people.

The failing provision of public services — whether it be housing, education or healthcare — is also a key issue that the far right is capitalising on to build support and misdirect and misguide working people.