THE Conservative Government's offer of a 1% pay rise is an insult to the hard working NHS staff who have worked tirelessly to keep us and our loved ones safe during COVID.

I was proud that the Liberal Democrats passed a motion at one of its annual conferences recently backing a proper pay rise for NHS staff, recognising the huge effort made by NHS workers during the pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic, the Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for a fairer deal for NHS staff.

The government owes a massive debt to our NHS and care workers.

They deserve more than just a debt of gratitude paid in claps - they deserve a real pay rise.

These proposals go against a government promise made last year to give NHS workers a 2.1% pay rise.

Boris Johnson has tried to defend his plans but there are warning signs that many NHS staff feel undervalued and could well quit.

One nurses' union has set up a £35million fund to prepare for possible strike action over a proposed 1% pay rise for NHS workers in England.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) called this 'pitiful', arguing that its members should get 12.5% instead.

Worse still, the so-called pay 'increase' amounts to a real terms pay cut due to the expected rise in inflation this year.

The Liberal Democrats recognise that even as COVID-19 cases fall, the work will not let up due to the backlog of postponed appointments, operations and long-time health complications of those suffering from long-COVID.

With pay conditions like these, it's no surprise that there is an estimated shortage of 50,000 nurses and 3,000 midwives.

I remember only a few years ago that Liberal Democrats across West London campaigned with residents to successfully save Charing Cross hospital that was threatened with closure.

We need our hospital open, fully staffed so people can get the right treatment to prevent future medical emergencies.

Relating to COVID a substantial pay rise is not only deserved by NHS staff but vital to retain current staff and attract desperately needed healthcare workers to the profession.

A hospital with a motivated team of staff is needed and adequate pay is part of this.

Tory ministers will make their final decision in May after the independent panel makes its own pay recommendations but they should listen to the Liberal Democrats and residents up and down the country who all want to see our NHS staff treated fairly.