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Could Clegg kill the NHS bill?

The Lib Dem leader remains the greatest threat to the health bill's survival.

By George Eaton Published 23 February 2012 17:11

"We're fucked". That, according to today's Daily Telegraph, was David Cameron's terse response after he was briefed on Andrew Lansley's health reforms following the general election. His words have proved prophetic. The Tories now trail Labour by 15 points as the party that has "the best approach to the NHS" and just 20 per cent of voters believe the NHS is "safe in David Cameron's hands".

Cameron's strong defence of private competition at yesterday's PMQs suggests that he's in no mood to compromise. But the yellow half of the coalition may yet force him to do so. Nick Robinson's report last night that Nick Clegg is considering reneging his support for the bill is a sign of just how high tensions are running. For now, the Lib Dem leader is encouraging his peers to table further amendments to limit competition in an attempt to head off a revolt at his party's spring conference next month. But should this route fail, who's to say Clegg won't choose the nuclear option? As Robinson reported yesterday, the Lib Dem leader "has told allies that he is losing more activists from the party on this issue than he did on tuition fees".

Clegg was discredited when he gave his backing to the bill at the start of last year (Shirley Williams recently revealed that he hadn't bothered to read it). But it is he, rather than Labour and the health unions, who now poses the greatest threat to its survival.

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Tags: NHS

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View the discussion thread.

15 comments

Thu, 2012-02-23 22:41 — kenny jenkins (not verified)

I think it's probably too late for Clegg to redeem himself. It may seem unfair but those are the terms of Mephistopheles' standard contract

Thu, 2012-02-23 23:23 — Anton Jury (not verified)

Im not sure that Nick Clegg will kill the National Health Service bill because I believe that he has built up a very, very, very good/cozy relationship with David Cameron. I honestly dont believe that Nick Clegg would ruin their relationship by going against Cameron on the NHS reforms no matter what he tries to make us think. I believe that they pretend that they do not see eye to eye on some matters but thats all a show to fool us into believing that there are some minor Political Party differences/issues that they do not share. It's all a show of illusion. We are all being taken for a ride and conned by both Cameron and Clegg. Dont expect any surprises.

Thu, 2012-02-23 23:34 — upnorthkid (not verified)

"who's to say Clegg won't choose the nuclear option?"

Finishing the bill would:

Fulfil the views of the British people
Benefit the country
Be a noble political act
Represent Clegg's one redeeming political act

In consequence I find it impossible to imagine him doing so.

Fri, 2012-02-24 02:03 — Tom (not verified)

LibDems should not be hoodwinked by Clegg
They should denounce the bill and set about electing a new leader

Thu, 2012-02-23 17:17 — D -Space (not verified)

Could Clegg kill the NHS bill?

It is about the only thing left he can do that will any way come close to redeeming him for the nightmare he has inflicted on the country.

Thu, 2012-02-23 17:20 — Parsifal (not verified)

And this is a very good reason why we should have more, not less, coalition governments.

Thu, 2012-02-23 17:32 — Ariel Adam (not verified)

Come on LibDems. If we can't appeal to your consciences, how about your party's survival. Kill the Bill and regain your respect. Don't do it, and you will be fighting with UKIP for the scraps.

Thu, 2012-02-23 17:50 — Des Demona (not verified)

The only smart move Clegg can make for the survival of his party is to kill the bill. I have a sneaking suspicion Cameron would be secretely pleased.

Thu, 2012-02-23 18:06 — nourredine (not verified)

I don't think Mr Clegg will change his mind, he will negotiate with Mr Cameron for a post in Europe as there is no other issue he can negotiate and the Lib/Dem will be divided over this bill and a general election will follow.
I don't think the Lib/Dem will last till 2015.

Thu, 2012-02-23 18:30 — Dickie1

Nick Clegg, if you or you party are reading this, this is it man, last chance saloon.

You may argue the toss but in the words of Lord Vader 'search your feeling you know it to be true'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZKIujsFSHM

Fri, 2012-02-24 14:12 — Shizzle (not verified)

There has been many opportunities for Clegg to intervine with NHS reforms, and he has decided to bottle it each and everytime.

Should he decide enough is enough, yes it may go some way to salvage Lib dem popularity. but for this to happen, he would first need to develop a back bone. Not going to happen.

Thu, 2012-02-23 18:47 — Psyfeesh (not verified)

Its simply come down to this.
Nick. Kill the bill and you get my vote in order for you to survive and fight another day.
Don't kill the bill, expect a protected species program hosted by David Attenborough.

Thu, 2012-02-23 19:13 — John Johnston (not verified)

Clegg, do something right once

Thu, 2012-02-23 19:29 — M fish (not verified)

He will say just enough to let people think he might stop the bill without actually stopping it. As an orange book free Market liberal he fundamentally agrees with privatisation of public services. Education postal services council services the NHS. This was always his purpose he doesn't care if he destroys the libdems as a party as long as he fundamentally alters the state and leaves behind a free Market. He knows he will be rejected at the next general election and is preparing for a job in Europe afterwards. His legacy will be another generation of voters embittered at another tier of politicians with aself-serving vision far too rich to feel the consequences of their actions