Rescuing Lansley’s reforms

The fate of Andrew Lansley’s NHS reforms is attracting apocalyptic headlines. A report in the Times (£) declares that a ‘last-ditch’ salvage is underway; the FT carries an editorial in similar tone, and the Guardian devotes its front page to David Cameron’s attempt to save face.

Over at Conservative Home, Jonathan Isaby relates how the strategy will unfold. The principles of the bill will remain intact, but it will be delayed using the ‘natural pause’ in parliamentary procedure. During this time, the details of the bill be scrutinised and the government will also use this time to reiterate its view that these reforms are necessary for the NHS to manage an ageing population and rising costs.

Extensive government amendments will then be made as the bill proceeds through parliament. The Mail examines the list of expected government concessions. Some would seem self-evident: for example, local councillors of all stripes have argued that they should provide democratic accountability to the regulated health market. The introduction of GP commissioning may be postponed beyond the 2013 deadline, to allay fears about the speed of reform; Policy Exchange will endorse that position later today. It is also likely that more money will be thrown at the NHS until the reforms are fully implemented.  

It’s quite a mess. As James argued yesterday, the government has been the sole author of its misfortune. In the privacy of Downing Street, the coalition partners are now horse-trading: with Clegg apparently determined to pose as the government’s conscience and some Tories, at least, intent on stopping him.With the tenacious opportunism of a blood hound, Ed Miliband has called for the coalition to recognise its differences and drop the bill. Cameron and Clegg won’t countenance a u-turn; so they’ve taken to the road to sell the reforms, again.