Debbie hits out at NHS reform in maiden speech

Oldham’s new MP has warned the Government that its plans to radically overhaul the NHS will lead to total privatisation of the service and create a new postcode lottery.

Debbie Abrahams, made the comments during her maiden speech in Parliament last night after being elected as the MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth in last month’s by-election.

She said all that will be left is the name NHS, and there was no evidence to support the idea that the Government’s proposals will deliver.

The former public health manager said: “I am passionate about the NHS. For me, it not only plans and provides our health services, but reflects the very values of our society.

“The reforms are based on the notion that increasing competition drives down costs and improves quality.

“However, the overwhelming evidence from the UK, the US and elsewhere, is that that is not how competition works in health care.”

Mrs Abrahams also praised her predecessor Phil Woolas for the 13 years he served the area. And in time honoured tradition told the Commons about her constituency, focussing on its beauty, history and people.

She added: “Oldham’s first parliamentary representatives were of course the radicals William Cobbett and John Fielden, and I intend to be equally radical in my own way.”