Bye Bye NHS.

[oldironside]

"The Government's NHS reforms cleared the first of two major hurdles today as the House of Lords voted to give the Health and Social Care Bill a second reading.

Peers voted by 354 to 220, Government majority 134, to reject a move by Labour former GP Lord Rea to block the legislation.

The Government victory came after two days of passionate debate featuring exactly 100 speakers.

But the Bill is still set to face a further challenge from former SDP leader Lord Owen, who wants part of it to be considered by a special select committee."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nhs-bill-clears-first-lords-hurdle-2369416.html

A majority of 134? So, that much trumpeted Lords debate was just full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Now we can kiss goodbye to the NHS and say hello to an American style system. Daniel Hannan must be rubbing his hands with glee.

[dipsydoodle]

1. In what way will we have an American style system ?

.

[LeftishBrit]

2. Depressing..

(and also depressing that Owen, whom I regarded as slightly right of centre in my youth, is now seen as a serious leftie in comparison to the current government!)

There is still room for further consideration and watering-down of the bill, but I think that if the NHS is saved, it won't be down to the MPs- we can't rely on them. It won't be down to the Lords - we can't rely on them. It won't be down to the parties - we can't rely on them, not even fully on Labour. It will be down to us. To the patients, doctors and nurses *not co-operating* with the whole concept of privatization; digging in our heels; not accepting the Great God of Competition.

By doing so, we may be able to prevent some of the worst consequences, though not the inevitable cuts. If we accept the new attitudes, then all is lost.