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The NHS Was Always Radical

By: Ronan Burtenshaw

Aneurin Bevan left this magazine for the Ministry of Health with a mission: to build an oasis of socialist principles within British capitalism.

Photo by Ian Smith / Tribune Archive

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In the years since the National Health Service (NHS) was inaugurated on 5 July 1948, a comforting myth has emerged about its creation. As the NHS — variously described as a national religion and an institution akin to royalty — has taken its place among the pantheon of British institutions, establishment scribes have tried to paint it […]

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In the years since the National Health Service (NHS) was inaugurated on 5 July 1948, a comforting myth has emerged about its creation. As the NHS — variously described as a national religion and an institution akin to royalty — has taken its place among the pantheon of British institutions, establishment scribes have tried to paint it […]

Large

In the years since the National Health Service (NHS) was inaugurated on 5 July 1948, a comforting myth has emerged about its creation. As the NHS — variously described as a national religion and an institution akin to royalty — has taken its place among the pantheon of British institutions, establishment scribes have tried to paint it […]

In the years since the National Health Service (NHS) was inaugurated on 5 July 1948, a comforting myth has emerged about its creation. As the NHS — variously described as a national religion and an institution akin to royalty — has taken its place among the pantheon of British institutions, establishment scribes have tried to paint it […]

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