Speaking on the NHS, James Anthony, said:
“Conference, over the last few weeks we have seen Labour and the trade
unions working together at our best – campaigning together to defend the
institution held most dear by the public, our National Health Service.
“In high streets and shopping centres across the country, union members
standing with Party members to get the message across to the public that this
is a service under threat and all credit to John Healey for making this happen.
“But at Westminster, despite the best efforts of John and his team, MPs voted
through the Health and Social Care Bill
“Shamefully despite all the fuss they made, only four Lib Dems voted against
the Bill, with a handful being true Lib Dem – abstaining
“This now means that all that stands between the government and its aim of
breaking up the NHS is the House of Lords. And us…
“Lets be clear on the Bill: it hasn’t really changed.
“Yes they held listening exercise and yes there have been some minor tweaks
around the edges. But all the essentials are still there.
“The government said that the regulator Monitor would no longer promote
competition, or be an economic regulator. But instead it will now ‘prevent
anti-competitive behaviour’ – sounds like the same thing to me. Enforcing
competition law taking our NHS down the failed Tory route of rail, water and
energy privatisation
“The predators that Ed spoke of in his speech are circling the NHS ready to
use Any Willing Provider and competition law to force even well intentioned
local commissioners to privatise services.
“And they are removing the private patient income cap. As Tory austerity
bites, waiting lists are growing, and now those that can pay will be allowed to
jump the queue.
“But conference, it’s a source of great shame to us in this hall that as this
Tory-led Government goes to battle with the founding principles of the NHS
it was Labour that built the bridge they march cross. And while the extra
investment, combined with the dedication of NHS staff, did make the NHS
dramatically better. Labour made mistakes.
“Foundation Hospitals handed power to managers and accountants and not to
local people. Independent Sector Treatment Centres dragged resources out of
the NHS, even when the operations weren’t done. And PFI contracts often
locked staff like cleaners out of the NHS while burdening the NHS with
astronomically expensive dept and service contracts.
“For Labour to effectively oppose this Bill, Labour needs to stand up and say
we were wrong, and never again will Labour allow the profits of the few to be
put ahead of the health of the many.
“Finally conference, Labour must back NHS staff. As a Nurse, I will soon be
getting a ballot paper asking me to take action to protect my pension.
“And conference I will be voting yes, not because I don’t care for my patients,
but because Ed’s right about the promise of Britain, and part of that promise
is if you work hard, dedicate yourself to public service, you’ll be looked after
in your age.
“So let’s keep that promise to hundreds of thousands of NHS workers and
stand up for our pensions.”