Labour Refuse to Reverse Watford General Hospital Delay in Parliament
The Watford Liberal Democrats have reacted to the disappointing news after Labour MPs refuse to back a Liberal Democrat motion in Parliament that would have reversed the near decade long delays to the Watford General Hospital rebuild.
During the crucial vote held on 23 April 2025, The Liberal Democrats voted in favour of the motion, while Labour - including Watford MP - voted against this motion. The delay pushes the rebuild of Watford General Hospital back to 2032, despite the hospital already facing a £66 million repairs backlog. That figure is set to rise each year the project is kicked further down the road, worsening conditions for patients and NHS staff.
Peter Taylor, candidate for Central Watford and Oxhey, said:
“It is incredibly disappointing that Labour MPs, including the MP for Watford, did not to support this motion. It would have reversed the near decade long delay to the Watford General Hospital rebuild. Standing up for investment in our hospital should be more important than loyalty to your own political party.
“I often hear from patients, NHS staff, and local residents about the desperate need for real investment in our hospital. We have waited so long for this vital investment. We deserve so much better and need this funding now - not in 2032 at the earliest.
“This delay will only lead to more delays, higher costs, and worsening pressure on patients and NHS staff.”
Councillor Ian Stotesbury said:
“This decision is a massive disappointment for patients, NHS staff, and the people of Watford who were promised the urgently needed investment for Watford General Hospital during the General Election. Instead, Labour have chosen to stick with their plan of another near-decade long delay.
“The Conservatives left an awful mess of our country’s public finances, but Labour’s conscious choice to not prioritise vital investment for nearly a decade is the wrong one. Our town’s hospital needs urgent investment – not more broken promises."
Sign our petition below to tell the Labour Government to crack on with rebuilding Watford General now:
www.watfordlibdems.org/our-campaigns/rebuild-watford-general