Pledge on health service ‘mistakes’

Ministers promised further changes could be made to the Government’s controversial health reforms as the plans were branded a “huge strategic mistake” by a senior Liberal Democrat.

By The Newsroom

Published 21st Sep 2011, 07:00 BST

Health Minister Paul Burstow insisted the Government “haven’t stopped listening” and would make further amendments to the legislation if necessary.

But John Pugh, co-chair of the Lib Dems’ backbench health committee, told the party’s conference in Birmingham that the proposals were a “huge strategic mistake”.

The Health and Social Care Bill suffered a tortuous passage through the Commons and was widely changed following concerns from Lib Dems, NHS professionals and patient groups.

The Bill was “paused” while a listening exercise was carried out to recommend changes to the plans.

Mr Burstow insisted the legislation, which faces further difficulties in the Lords, had been improved since the Lib Dem spring conference passed a motion opposing the shake-up.