An open letter to the Deputy Prime Minister  

Rt Hon Nick Clegg MPDeputy Prime Minister70 WhitehallLondonSW1A 2AS1st November 2011Dear NickTomorrow the House of Lords returns to the crucial issue of the Secretary of State's responsibilities in respect of the National Health Service.The Government has already indicated that it is prepared to accept changes in this area. I understand the Minister intends to accept the amendment in the name of Lord Mackay of Clashfern. We do not believe that this goes far enough, either to meet our concerns or those expressed by leading Liberal Democrats. Indeed, by providing a narrow definition of the circumstances in which the Secretary of State can intervene, it represents a major diminution in the democratic accountability of the NHS and undermines provision of a comprehensive service.Even with the Mackay amendment, the Bill still hands huge power and control over health services to an unelected board...