Blair expected to face revolt on NHS reform
Speculation is mounting today, that Tony Blair is set to face a staggering revolt over his plans for NHS reform when the proposed Bill undergoes its second reading next week.
The Prime Minister’s problems are compounded by the fact that the Chancellor, Gordon Brown offered only lukewarm support for Health Secretary, Alan Milburn’s plans for “Foundation Hospitals”, yesterday.
The Health Secretary intends to offer NHS Trusts Foundation Hospital status, which will afford more freedom, in return for high standards.
However, critics oppose the plans on the grounds that devolving power to some hospitals while keeping others firmly under the umbrella of Whitehall will lead to a “two tier” health service.
In a keynote speech yesterday, Mr Milburn said, “NHS Foundation Trusts will be NHS hospitals. They will be fully part of the NHS but with greater freedom to run their own affairs.”
He asserted, “Those who claim this is privatisation or a step in that direction – through the front door, through the back door or through the side door – are simply wrong.”
While presenting evidence to the House of Commons Treasury Committee, Mr Brown remained loyal to the ideal of collective responsibility, but it was evident that the Chancellor did not wish to be drawn on the subject.
He said, “I am not going to get into this,” but insisted that he backed the plans.
The move has been interpreted, in some camps, as encouragement for a backbench rebellion on the issue.
With more than 130 MPs already signed up against the vote, the Prime Minister is once again looking across the Chamber for support.
However, the Opposition has indicated that it cannot be relied upon to rescue the vote, although it agrees with the idea of foundation hospitals in principle. Without Tory support Mr Blair appears to be on the brink of a crushing defeat.
Shadow Health Secretary, Dr Liam Fox MP said, “The Government should not rely on the Conservative Party to get its Foundation Hospitals legislation through.”
He added, “It is not our responsibility to ensure the Government get their legislation through the House of Commons and we are examining their Foundation Hospitals legislation carefully.”
The Liberal Democrats also oppose the plans. Dr Evan Harris MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said, “Liberal Democrats do not support the current proposals. They fail to provide real decentralisation. They will not put power back into the hands of doctors, nurses or patients.”
Insiders are speculating that the issue is likely to be the hottest topic since Iraq and, unfortunately for Mr Blair, it is expected to suffer an even bigger revolt.
Mr Blair and Mr Milburn have made a last ditch attempt at rallying support this week but they face criticism from all sides with public service unions up in arms about the proposed legislation.
Unions have pledged to step up their campaign against the proposals and are preparing to put pressure on Labour MPs and their constituency parties today.
They will also be writing to every Labour backbencher, calling on them to rebel against the party line in the key Commons vote next Wednesday.
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