I am fed up watching benefit claimants take out from the system, while some hard-working families have to go to food banks despite holding down two or three jobs and paying tax. Recently, there has been a proposal to impose a 1p rise in income tax to fund the NHS. While I understand the importance of supporting our National Health Service, this increase seems unfairly placed on working individuals and pensioners.

People who have decent pensions or are still working will bear the brunt of this tax rise. They have contributed to the system for years, and it feels unjust to once again burden them financially. The NHS, a vital part of our community, should be a shared responsibility, and its funding should reflect the efforts of all societal sectors, not just the workforce.

It's only fair that those who are claiming benefits also partake in this national duty. The proposal should include a mechanism where benefit claimants also contribute, perhaps by having a small percentage of their benefits redirected to NHS funding. This would ensure that NHS support comes from all of society, reflecting a shared commitment.

Our NHS is a cornerstone of our nation and deserves adequate funding, but fairness must be at the heart of every policy decision. Implementing a system where everyone contributes will foster a more inclusive and equitable approach to healthcare funding.

I urge the policymakers to consider a more balanced model of funding for the NHS that does not disproportionately impact the hardworking citizens or those with pensions. By doing so, we can ensure that the NHS remains robust and capable of serving all, supported by a united societal effort.

Support a fair and inclusive contribution system to fund the NHS by signing this petition.