A ROW has broken out following the Labour Government's announcement that the New Hospital Programme – which includes Airedale – is under review.

It was confirmed in May last year that Airedale Hospital, built more than 50 years ago, had secured a place on the programme – and preparatory works are now underway.

But Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said a review of schemes is needed, with a "thorough, realistic and costed timetable for delivery".

The Steeton hospital was largely constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, which was found to have a lifespan of 30 years, and is crumbling.

Keighley and Ilkley Conservative MP Robbie Moore has criticised the Chancellor’s decision, which he says risks putting the whole project in jeopardy.

He's seeking a meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to challenge the review.

Mr Moore says: "Just days before the general election Wes Streeting assured voters in our community that he was 'committed' to rebuilding Airedale Hospital, yet now the Chancellor has shamefully chosen to put our new hospital on hold – with the real risk that it may not happen at all.

"As I warned during the general election campaign, Labour clearly wasn’t being honest with voters about its plans for Airedale Hospital.

"Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has been working tirelessly with the New Hospital Programme team over the past year to progress the plans for a state-of-the-art hospital by 2030 and they deserve clarity from the Government."

Keighley and Ilkley Constituency Labour Party says it warned before the general election that funding for the new Airedale Hospital had not been approved by the then Conservative Government.

Constituency party chair, Pam Johnson, says: "Despite our MP’s claims of securing funds for a rebuild, the Chancellor was clear that 'he did not secure the funds. The money was not there'.

"During the recent election campaign, the then Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting – following strong representations from ourselves – said a new Government would deliver a rebuild of Airedale Hospital. And he has said that hospitals affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete are top of his list of priorities.

"The rebuilding of Airedale Hospital is a promise we are confident will be honoured by the Labour Government."

Foluke Ajayi, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, says: "The Government’s review of the New Hospital Programme is not unexpected and whilst this review is taking place we continue with our plans."