Labour leader says local people must be listened to over Newark Hospital

The leader of the Labour party has spoken of deep concern about reductions in services at Newark Hospital and said the views of people in the town must be listened to.

Ed Miliband was interviewed at the Advertiser offices following his visit to the hospital on Wednesday, where he heard first-hand the views of staff and patients.

Flanked by by-election candidate Mr Michael Payne, Mr Miliband also acknowledged that it would be a "tough fight" to win in Newark but insisted Labour was in a position to take advantage of Conservative "complacency" on the economy.

Of his visit to the hospital, Mr Miliband said: "There is obviously deep concern about what has happened at the hospital.

"What was interesting listening to the nurses was the slippery slope, where you end up with the downgrading of more and more services, not just the A&E but other services as well.

"People feel a deep sense of commitment to the hospital and are worried about its future.

"A way has to be found to rebuild confidence in local people in the health services. People have to listen and respond to the views of the people of Newark. "

He said that the combination of hospital services, ambulance response times and GP services needed to be looked at. He said Labour was committed to enabling people to see a GP in 48 hours.

A string of Government ministers have visited Newark since the by-election was announced.

Asked if he felt Labour could win the by-election, or if it was a test run for the General Election next year when Mr Payne will again be the candidate, as Mr Payne smiled at the question, Mr Miliband said: "I think we will know that on polling day.

"What I am proud of is the campaign Michael is running. He did incredibly well at the hustings (organised by the Advertiser, Newark business club and the chamber of commerce).

"He won that by common consent.

"It is things like hospital services, cost of living, flood defences and rail services he is campaigning on.

"This is 44th safest Conservative seat in the country and it is remarkable in a way that David Cameron is having to throw so many resources at this seat, but we are fighting for every vote.

"I think it is important to come to every by-election, and that is what I have done since being Labour leader.

"It is part of one nation Labour, reaching out to people even when it is a tough fight in a place like this."

In the European elections Ukip topped the polls in Newark, and Mr Miliband said he acknowledged there was discontent with politics.

He said: "UKIP did very well in the Euro results and they will try and compete in various places in the country but I think Labour has better answers.

"Cutting ourselves off from the rest of the world and Europe is not the answer. I think for companies in Newark that trade with the rest of the world that is not the answer. We need change but not to leave EU."

He said the party had also changed its immigration policy and wanted stricter controls and a crack down on employers that undercut the minimum wage.

He said it would also freeze energy prices and build more homes to help with the cost of living.

"I think the Conservatives are very complacent," he said.

"I think when David Cameron and George Osborne say everything is fixed, people think 'it doesn't feel like that in my life.'

"People feel the link between doing the right thing, working hard and getting better off has been broken."

He confirmed there would be more visits from Labour front benchers in the run up to the by-election.