Health Care and Tax Thrust Into U.K. Election as Labour Vows Rescue Plan

The Labour Party vowed to outspend the ruling Conservatives on the National Health Service if it wins the U.K. general election, promising a 26 billion-pound ($33 billion) “rescue plan” paid for by higher taxes on companies and the rich.

The announcement, unveiled by Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell on Nov. 13, thrust the NHS—one of biggest issues concerning British voters—into the heart of the campaign for the Dec. 12 vote.

McDonnell said total Department of Health and Social Care funding would rise by 4.3% a year in real terms under his plans, with NHS England getting 6 billion pounds more by ...