Opposition day debate on the Government's record on the NHS
27 October 2011 (updated on 27 October 2011)
Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, moved an Opposition day debate in the House of Commons on 26 October 2011 on the Government's record on the National Health Service.
National Health Service
Opposition days are days allocated in the House of Commons in each session for the discussion of subjects chosen by the Opposition. The Opposition generally uses them to raise questions of policy and administration.
The motion in the name of Andy Burnham called on the Government to drop the Health and Social Care Bill, which is currently under consideration in the House of Lords and “accept the offer of cross-party talks on reforming NHS commissioning”.
Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, responded on behalf of the Government. Watch and read the views expressed by MPs during the debate on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard.
- Parliament TV: Government's record on the NHS
- Commons Hansard: Government's record on the NHS
- Topics: Health
Health and Social Care Bill
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation on the Health and Social Care Bill. Also find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
Progress of the Health and Social Care Bill
The Health and Social Care Bill was first introduced into the House of Commons on 19 January 2011 and received a second reading on 31 January 2011. The Bill was then considered by a Public Bill Committee from 8 February to 31 March 2011.
On 4 April 2011 the Secretary of State for Health made a statement to the House of Commons announcing that there would be a break in the passage of the Bill. The Government set up an independent group to review the Health and Social Care Bill known as the NHS Future Forum. The group reported its findings and recommendations to the Government on 13 June 2011.
On 21 June the Health and Social Care Bill was re-committed to the Public Bill Committee for further consideration which took place from 28 June to 14 July 2011.
The Bill was considered at report stage for two days on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 September 2011 and third reading took place on Wednesday 7 September.
The Bill was introduced into the House of Lords on 8 September 2011 and received a second reading on 11 and 12 October 2011.
Committee stage began in the Lords on 25 October 2011 and continues on 2 November 2011 when further amendments will be discussed.
- Lords news: Health and Social Care Bill, Committee stage: Day one (26 October 2011)
- Lords news: Health and Social Care Bill, second reading (12 October 2011)
- Commons news: Remaining stages of the Health and Social Care Bill (8 September 2011)
- Commons news: Second reading of Health and Social Care Bill (31 January 2011)
- Commons news: Statement on NHS reform (4 April 2011)
- Commons news: Statement on NHS Future Forum (14 June 2011)
- Commons news: Recommittal of Health and Social Care Bill (21 June 2011)
Debates
Debates are an opportunity for MPs to discuss government policy, proposed new laws and current issues. It allows MPs to voice the concerns and interests of their constituents.