Lords ‘could delay healthcare reform bill’

The House of Lords is addressing the government's Health and Social Care Bill and will vote later today (October 12th 2011) on whether or not to delay the legislation.

Peers will also vote on whether to block the reforms altogether – a motion tabled by Lord Rea, a former GP.

Lord Owen and Lord Hennessy put forwarded the amendment which will allow the bill to be delayed and some ministers believe further hold-ups could actually kill off the reforms.

Both lords hope that a decisive vote on the legislation would force ministers to scrutinise the bill more thoroughly through a special committee.

However, some peers are firmly against the tabled amendments. Lord Howe thinks a delay would be damaging and has said: "The proposal put forward by Lord Owen could result in delay, which could well prove fatal to it. This is not a risk that I believe this house should take."

He added that he believes the changes would help to liberate the NHS.

This comes after members of UK Uncut blocked Westminster Bridge in protest against the NHS reforms earlier this week.