Cameron 'committed' to NHS reforms

Feb 20 2012

Prime Minister David Cameron insisted he is "committed" to pushing through the Government's reforms to the NHS as he met healthcare professionals in Downing Street.

The meeting sparked controversy after a string of prominent health bodies - including eight royal colleges - which have criticised the Health and Social Care Bill revealed that they had not been invited.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley was confronted as he arrived at Downing Street by angry protesters who accused him of trying to privatise the NHS.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Ed Miliband accused the Government of adopting a "bunker mentality" to reforms, calling on the PM to dump the Bill and convene new talks on the future of the NHS bringing together all sides of the debate.

Speaking as the meeting ended, Mr Cameron said that there were "a few myths we need to bust" about the planned reforms.

He insisted he would not be blown off course: "I am committed to the changes and committed to taking them through.

"We need to do everything we can to explain to people that this is about improving and enhancing our NHS, not in any way endangering it."