Healey welcomes Lib Dem opposition to NHS reforms

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

As the Liberal Democrats pass a motion criticising proposed government NHS reforms on the first day of their spring conference in Sheffield. Liberal Democrat Health Minister Paul Burstow Promised that concerns will be taken back to the government.

Labour’s shadow health secretary John Healey – who attended the conference and sat in on the debate – welcomed the decision, but put pressure on Nick Clegg to make sure the views of his members wasn’t ignored:

“This debate has forced a big climb down for Nick Clegg and his ministers, and the conference delegates have made it clear that David Cameron’s reckless NHS plans are not Lib Dem policy. They have shown today that they don’t want their party to get dragged down by the damage the Tories are trying to do to the health service.”

“The big test now is for Nick Clegg, and it will be for him to persuade David Cameron to make fundamental changes to the planned legislation and reorganisation. Ordinary LibDem members should make common cause with everyone else who wants to protect the NHS and make sure he does.”