KEIR Starmer has said he wants to ensure Basingstoke hospital is 'deliverable' before committing to build the new facility.

In an interview with ITV Meridian, the prime minister was asked why the government 'won't commit' to building hospitals in Reading, Basingstoke, Winchester and Eastbourne.

Basingstoke was selected to participate in the 2019 programme, as the current hospital, which opened in the 1970s, is 'in need of a rebuild'.

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However, the plans are under scrutiny after health secretary Wes Streeting ordered an 'urgent review' into the Conservative government's commitment to rebuild 40 hospitals by 2030.

Political correspondent Kit Bradshaw questioned Sir Keir Starmer, asking why the government 'won't commit' to building the hospitals.

In response, the prime minister said they are 'reviewing the project for new hospitals', adding: "The promise of the last government was 40 new hospitals, the problem is they weren't 40, and they weren't new,"

He explained that 'a bunch of them weren't hospitals and they weren't deliverable, so we're reviewing that'.

Sir Starmer confirmed that his government 'will build the hospitals that are necessary' but wants to be 'absolutely assured that there's deliverability'.

He continued: " But it's a deliverable project, not the false hope that I think has been too prevalent in recent years."

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Basingstoke's MP, Luke Murphy, previously told the Gazette that both he and the government are 'fully committed to the new hospital'.

The Labour politician called for an 'honest and realistic timeline' for its delivery.

As previously reported, the hospital's opening could be delayed until 2035. 

Information published by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in hospital meeting papers stated that the construction and opening of the facility will be between 2030 and 2035.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Hospitals said: "We continue with our Hampshire Together partners to the timescales set by the national New Hospital Programme and in line with guidance from government to progress with our plans.

"There have been no changes to our target timelines.

“We are grateful for the ongoing engagement from local people as we work to develop the best possible plans to meet their healthcare needs for decades to come.”