Responding to Government comments in the Lords that they will not support a cross-party commission to secure the future of the NHS and social care, Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, said:
It is extremely disappointing to hear Lord Prior rule out the idea of a cross-party commission to secure the future of our NHS and care services this morning. Former Health Ministers from across the political spectrum agree that a commission is necessary, as do numerous patient groups, think tanks and medical royal colleges.
For the Minister to dismiss this idea out of hand will leave many people incredulous that he seems unaware of the scale of the challenge. Is he in denial of what is happening around the country?
I will keep campaigning for a commission to secure the long-term future of our vital health and care services, until the Government see sense.