Isabel Hardman
Already a subscriber? Log in
The overall debate on this stage of the Health and Care Bill resembled most NHS-related debates in the Commons. That is to say that it bore little semblance to reality. Indeed, there were so many conflicting realities on offer that it was hard to tell whether this bill will privatise the NHS, roll back its competition and focus more on integration, give ministers vastly more power or hand more power to private companies, atomise it, centralise it, save it or damage it. Health minister Edward Argar had to spend a portion of his summing up speech explaining why he didn’t think the bill is increasing privatisation of the NHS (something most independent health experts say is not happening in the legislation).
Perhaps it is necessary for politicians to include a rejection of privatisation as part of the liturgy they must read out on the NHS. But it’s also worth noting that when so much political energy is regularly expended on something that isn’t actually happening, the real mistakes in flawed legislation tend to pass into law without anyone noticing.
Because you read about boris johnson
Also by Isabel Hardman
Latest
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in