Lansley’s trials

Andrew Lansley will arrive in Manchester having been chased up the M6 by a flurry of negative stories about his NHS reforms. The Guardian has gone to town on the news that the Lords Health Committee has expressed concern about Lansley’s plan. Their reservations stem from Shirley Williams’ concerns about the diminished role of the secretary of state; she worries that this will dilute accountability over the health service, which she views as unacceptable given the vast sums of money the secretary of state controls. The Lords will debate these matters later this month and amendments are expected to be tabled. Elsewhere, the British Medical Association has also fired another salvo at Lansley, calling for the Bill to be scrapped. And Monitor, the health regulator, warns that numerous trusts are beginning to miss targets for acceptable care. It is the latest indication that the health service is under mounting strain.

Stories of financial pressure may strengthen Lansley’s case – and he is certainly reiterating the case for reform on those terms.