On this day 73 years ago, Labour created the NHS. This meant, for the first time in UK history, that healthcare would be free of charge to all who needed it.

The NHS has today been awarded the George Cross by Queen Elizabeth II, and landmarks from Salisbury Cathedral to the Wembley Arch will be lit up blue.

Luke Pollard MP’s second Covid vaccination coincided with the NHS’s anniversary today. He said:

“Thank you to our brilliant NHS heroes. They deserve a decent pay rise, proper recognition and thanks and an end to Tory privatisation.”

You can watch the Labour Party’s tribute to the NHS below, led by Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth MP.

Imagine Britain without our National Health Service – it was almost a reality.

Today, on the 73rd birthday of the NHS, we thank all the key workers who gave their all to look after us this year. #NHSBirthday pic.twitter.com/YTr3YqLiMh

— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) July 5, 2021