The House of Lords passed the Government’s controversial Health and Social Care Bill late last night, but it will be discussed once again in the Commons today. Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham has managed to secure a 90 minute emergency debate. Island resident Mark Lansbury shares this letter sent recently to Isle of Wight MP, Andrew Turner on the subject. In his own words. Ed
Mr. Turner,
Your government have brought us broken promises and, ultimately, a broken democracy. Your government behaves in an authoritarian manner.
Your government forces policies upon us which are based on ideology rather than proper evidence based policies.
This government arrogantly and without true democratic representation continue to impose upon England — against the will of the people — a massive top down reorganization of the NHS — against your party’s manifesto, the LibDem’s and the Coalition government’s manifesto. (Despite Earl Howe’s dishonest statements that what is being done to the NHS in this bill was in all three manifestos.)
Andrew, the mere process of an election is not evidence of a country run by democratic principles.
170,000 signatures on e-petition
Surely tens of thousands — the overwhelming majority — of medical professionals can’t be wrong. Of course, there is the inconvenience that the majority of the English public opposing the bill as well.
This government’s e-petition calling for the Bill to be withdrawn is now the most popular to date, with over 170,000 signatures. Yet your government arrogantly refuses to honour his own commitment to debate any e-petition with more than 100,000 signatures. Another promise broken. Further arrogance and rebellion against the democratic process by this government.
Insulted by your letters
Your response for not releasing the risk register was disturbing. Earl Howe’s reply (attached to your cover letter) was deliberately misleading and, in places, dishonest. I was insulted by both your and Mr. Howe’s self-serving, deceptive letters.
The release of the risk register is important, but what has become as important is your, and the failure of the United Kingdom’s government to conduct itself in a true democratic fashion.
We will pay for your government’s arrogance
I, along with I suspect millions of others, will not forget nor forgive your and your government’s conduct and lies surrounding the Health and Social Care Bill. This government’s actions will affect our quality of life for years, if not decades to come. We had no choice in the matter and will pay for your and your government’s arrogance with our health and hard earned money.
Use your vote in Commons in a democratic way by representing the will of the people. A vote that doesn’t carry out this desire is an obscene and arrogant use trust given to you during the last general election. Vote against the Health & Social Care Bill.
Regards,
Mark Lansbury
Newchurch
Image: Dulcie Lee under CC BY 2.0
