Boris Johnson orders Cabinet to boast of benefits of punishing national insurance hike

Sajid Javid was first off the blocks to claim that the 1.25% tax rise on millions of workers will pay for 87 more NHS diagnostic centres to clear the Covid backlog

Boris Johnson has ordered Cabinet ministers to big up the benefits of this week’s punishing national insurance hike.

Sajid Javid was first off the blocks to claim that the 1.25% tax rise on millions of workers will pay for 87 more NHS diagnostic centres to clear the Covid backlog.

These are one stop shops for tests and checks such as CT, MRI and ultrasound scans.

The Health Secretary said: “This is vital funding, helping to reduce waiting times and deliver millions more checks, scans and operations.”

Rishi Sunak refused demands from his own MPs to scrap the tax in last month’s mini-budget.

The Chancellor pressed ahead despite the cost of living crisis about to financially cripple the nation.

And yesterday he said: “The money raised by the levy will enable us to deliver improved services for patients.”

From July anyone earning over £12,570 will have to pay the new tax.