'We're right on track,' says Streeting as key target for hospital waiting times hit

The government has hit an interim target for speeding up hospital treatment in England.

The goal was for 65% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks by March 2026 – and it hit that, but only just, with the figure reaching 65.3%.

It was seen as the first stepping stone to hitting the 92% target by the end of the Parliament in 2029 – a key manifesto pledge of Labour's.

The news came just hours before Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary, saying there needed to be a leadership challenge as he had lost confidence in the Prime Minister.

Speaking before he resigned, he hailed the achievement – performance was below 59% when Labour came to power.

He said: "It means we are right on track to deliver the fastest reduction in waiting times in the history of the NHS.

"That is thanks to the government's investment, modernisation, and the remarkable efforts of staff right across the country.

"Lots done, lots more to do."

Read full story

Source: BBC News, 14 May 2026