MPs debate the East Coast franchise and privatisation in the NHS

Secretary of State for Transport's handling of the East Coast franchise

The debate was opened by Andy McDonald, who stated that "Labour has brought forward today’s motion because of the lack of candour and lack of debate around the future of the east coast franchise, both inside this House and outside."

He was responded to by the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, who said that "what we also have seen today is a classic example of the definition of the word 'hypocrisy'."

• Read the Opposition Motion in the Order Paper: Main Business item number 2
• Watch the debate on the East Coast franchise Parliament TV
• Read Commons Hansard: East Coast franchise

Outsourcing and privatisation of the NHS

The second of the Opposition debates was on outsourcing and privatisation of the NHS.

• Read the Opposition Motion in the Order Paper: Main Business item number 3
• Watch the debate on outsourcing and privatisation of the NHS on Parliament TV
• Read Commons Hansard: Outsourcing and privatisation of the NHS

Related information

About Opposition Day debates

Opposition days are days allocated in the House of Commons in each session for the discussion of subjects chosen by the Opposition.

Seventeen days are at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition, the leader of the largest opposition party, to decide which matters are debated. Three days are usually divided between the other opposition parties.

The Opposition generally use them to raise questions of policy and administration. Frequently, two separate subjects are debated on an opposition day.

• About Parliament: Main business (debates)

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