The British Medical Association has today voted in favour of backing an NHS Reinstatement Bill. [1] [2]

The vote follows the tabling of such a bill by Caroline in the last parliament – something she plans to do again in the coming weeks. [3]

If adopted an NHS Reinstatement Bill would fully restore the NHS as an accountable public service by reversing 25 years of marketisation in the NHS, by abolishing the purchaser-provider split, ending contracting and re-establishing public bodies and public services accountable to local communities.

Commenting on today’s vote by the BMA Caroline, who co-tabled the bill earlier this year with Andrew George (who was then a Lib Dem MP), said:

“It’s fantastic that the BMA has voted to support this bill. At a time when A&Es are shutting, NHS jobs are being lost and walk in centres are being closed down it’s clear that we need to act fast to save our health service.

“In the coming weeks I shall re-table the NHS Reinstatement Bill in Parliament. My hope is that MPs from across the political divide will come together to back the bill that stands up for the NHS we are all proud of.”

Allyson Pollock said:

“Policies are nothing without legislation.  In voting for this Bill, the BMA voted against government policies which are breaking up the NHS, voted against its privatisation and slide to American health care and  the introduction of charges and increasing denial of care. In voting to support the NHS Bill 2015 it supported Council’s decision in March to support legislation in support of its strong and clear policies against the market.  It sends a clear message that it is committed to a national health service.  This sends a clear signal  to the government that it will not accept the break up of our NHS and that  the BMA will stand by its strong policies opposing markets in health care.” 

ENDS

[1] 53% of votes were in favour of backing the bill.

[2] The campaign for an NHS Reinstatement bill: http://www.nhsbill2015.org/

[3] Information on the bill tabled earlier this year: http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/03/new-bill-plots-way-back-nhs-its-greens-not-labour-who-are-behind-it

Contact: Matthew Butcher on 07885 459 904