Lib Dems will battle on to defeat ill-judged Government NHS reforms

6.00.00pm GMT Wed 19th Nov 2003

Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary this evening urged colleagues in the House of Lords not to accept the Government's proposals on foundation hospitals.

Mr Burstow said:

"The Government has won a narrow 17 vote victory in the House of Commons tonight. MPs on all sides of the House who voted against the legislation were right to be concerned at the Government's plans. It would be entirely proper for the Lords to send this legislation back to the Commons so the Government can think again.

"This dogs breakfast of legislation is ill-considered and ill-judged. For the good of the NHS and patients, we must stand firm and vote against foundation hospitals.

"Government plans for Foundation Hospitals are dividing the NHS by setting up some hospitals as a privileged elite and leaving other areas out. The Government should drop its obsession with foundation trusts."

"While the Liberal Democrats support devolution, we do not believe that foundation trust proposals as set out today actually go anywhere near lifting the dead hand of control from the NHS.

"Central control, targets and tick boxes stifle innovation and initiative in the NHS. One size certainly does not fit the needs of every community or every individual that uses the NHS. But this is not the right way forward."