Peers set to reject health bill
A keystone of Prime Minister Tony Blair’s health reforms may face defeat in the House of Lords today.
Peers are expected to reject plans to introduce foundation hospitals in England and Wales in the Government’s Health and Social Care Bill.
Many of them fear the controversial plans will lead to a two-tier National Health Service, with non-foundation hospitals losing out in terms of extra funding and resources.
The Government argues the legislation paves the way for greater financial freedom for top performing hospitals.
Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers in the Second Chamber are set to send the Bill back to the House of Commons for further scrutiny.
In July, MPs backed the health bill with a majority of only 35.
Labour does not have a majority in the Lords.
Lord Strathclyde, Tory leader of the Lords, said the legislation was “shambolic” and peers were right to want to send the Bill back to the Commons.
