NHS document veto is ‘cover-up attempt’

Secretary Andrew Lansley’s decision to veto the publication of a confidential risk assessment of the Government’s contentious NHS reforms is “absolutely appalling”, according to Oldham MP Debbie Abrahama.

The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP campaigned for the document’s release. She said the move proved critics of the changes were right and the Government was attempting to cover up how much damage its changes will cause to patient care.

Mr Lansley said he believed in “greater transparency” but that it was also essential to retain “a safe space where officials are able to give ministers full and frank advice in developing policies and programmes”.

Mrs Abrahams said: “It is profoundly disappointing and absolutely appalling that this is how the Government takes the decision to withhold information that should be publicly available.

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