Sir Rod Stewart says he’d ‘happily’ pay more tax to fund NHS pay rises

SIR Rod Stewart said he would happily pitch in more taxes – if it meant NHS staff were paid more.

The singer called on the government to raise the wage of vital health heroes when he attended Central Recorder’s Who Cares Wins Awards.

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Stewart said: “Hopefully the government will put the percentage of money up for them.

They require more than a one to two percent increase in their pay. I’d happily pay more taxes to give them a proper wage.

“Where would we be without them?”

NHS staff have only had a three per cent pay rise from the Government, which Unison claims doesn’t ensure staff get the living wage.

It only widens the pay gap between top- and bottom-paid workers on the NHS payroll, according to the union. Unison also criticized the government’s move as unacceptable.

Rod’s wife Penny Lancaster, who was a judge for the awards, echoed his sentiments as she hailed the incredible efforts of medics throughout the pandemic.

She said: “In emergencies, whether you have private healthcare or not, the NHS is the only system, the only care out there that will help you.

“You can’t reward them enough for it.

“So, you know, obviously, clapping through Covid was one thing, but they will need to be praised and this is why Central Recorder’s Who Cares Wins is so important.

“And the government definitely need to do more to support our NHS.”

The pair attended the star-studded ceremony at Camden Roundhouse, which told the stories of incredible medics and members of the public.

The government needs to do more for the NHS.

Penny Lancaster

During an emotional ceremony, Penny handed out the Best Midwife Award alongside Steph McGovern.

Ahead of the gongs, Rod said: “This is the only way were able to show our support.”

After a hard year and a half battling through the pandemic, it’s never been more important to show our thanks to NHS workers and those who helped in the fight against the pandemic.

This year we have teamed up with The National Lottery and NHS Charities Together.

Last year, generous Sun readers raised over £1million for the charity in order to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.

• Central Recorder’s Who Cares Wins awards will be broadcast on Channel 4 and All 4 on Sunday at 7.30pm.

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