28.02.11
Clegg demands amendments to NHS reforms
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is demanding that the Government water down NHS reforms after warning that the plans were potentially leading to the privatisation of England’s hospitals.
Clegg has sent a letter to all Liberal Democrat politicians urging them to back new amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill currently passing through Parliament designed to reduce competition, and the impact of the use of private firms on the NHS.
Clegg has previously backed the reforms, and his move came amid growing Liberal Democrat concern over the proposed legislation.
The letter reads: “We want to rule out beyond doubt any threat of a US-style market in the NHS. That is why we want to see changes made to this bill that have been put forward by our Liberal Democrat team in the House of Lords to make sure that the NHS can never be treated like the gas, electricity, or water industry.”
Ministers have always denied wanting to privatise the health service and have said they would never let that happen. Conservative MPs have made their anger with Clegg and the Lib Dems clear, however, with some accusing their coalition partners of ‘treachery’ over their latest NHS demands, amid signs of mounting unease within both parties over issues like Lords reform and welfare policy.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: “We have made clear that we don’t see any need for further significant changes to the Bill. We had a listening exercise. We made significant changes to the Bill. We think that the Bill is the right one and the reforms are the right reforms.”
Later he stated that the Government was happy to provide clarity and reassurance on the Bill for those who required it.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]