54 more full-time nurses: what the workforce figures measure

We select specific, testable assertions from attributable statements and reader submissions. National and Labour face the same criteria. This is selected coverage, not a party scorecard or a claim that every campaign statement has been checked.

Evidence and ratings

We prioritise original statistics, legislation, agency documents and parliamentary records. A party’s statement establishes what it said; it is not independent proof against another party. For claims about a published plan, a reproduced calculation establishes its arithmetic, not whether its forecasts will happen.

True

The material factual assertion is supported by strong evidence.

Mostly True

Substantially correct, with relatively minor qualifications.

Mixed

Contains materially accurate and inaccurate elements.

Misleading

Missing context, framing or an inappropriate comparison materially distorts the assertion.

False

The material assertion is contradicted by reliable evidence.

Unverified

Reliable evidence is insufficient to establish a conclusion.

Context matters

Checks identify the period, publication date and definition of each measure. We distinguish headcount from full-time equivalents, price levels from inflation, adjusted from unadjusted statistics, and forecasts from results. Promises, predictions and opinions are labelled and receive no factual accuracy rating.

AI-assisted research and independence

The initial reports use AI-assisted research and calculations. Each report explains the sources read and the limits of its verification. External human editorial review has not been recorded for this initial batch. Sponsorship and newsletter distribution cannot change a verdict or replace the evidence requirements.

Corrections and incomplete information

Unresolved assertions remain Unverified or private drafts. A changed public conclusion retains the earlier rating, explanation and dated revision reason in its correction history. Readers can submit evidence, report an error or appeal a rating using the form below. Submissions require review before publication.

Checks describe the evidence available on their verification date. New statistics or a later policy announcement may change the answer; a later document does not establish what was true on an unknown earlier posting date.