QUENTIN LETTS: Glumbucket Sir Keir, a man who makes Eeyore sound like Ken Dodd

Sir Keir Starmer delivered a speech at the King's Fund, a public-health think-tank located on Oxford Street in London. His address focused on the alarming state of the NHS, referencing a document by Lord Darzi, a former New Labour peer and surgeon, which highlighted the dire conditions facing the health service. Starmer's tone was notably glum, reflecting his characteristic pessimism, as he discussed the NHS's decline from being a model for the world to a system in crisis. The audience included serious medical professionals who were likely to be concerned about the implications of the NHS's struggles. The chief executive of the King's Fund, who has a background in lung-disease charities and mental health, set a somber tone for the event. Starmer's presentation was marked by a nasal voice and a sense of fatalism, which resonated with the audience's serious demeanor. Wes Streeting, another speaker, attempted to convey a sense of urgency and aggression regarding the situation, but his enthusiasm seemed at odds with the overall atmosphere of despair. The contrast between Streeting's zeal and Starmer's gloom highlighted the differing approaches within the party regarding the NHS crisis. Ultimately, the event underscored the gravity of the NHS's challenges and the need for a robust response from political leaders. The discussions reflected a broader concern about public health in the UK and the potential consequences of continued neglect of the health service.