Intended for healthcare professionals

News

Health bill passes to the Lords with majority of 65 votes

BMJ 2011; 343 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d5740 (Published 08 September 2011) Cite this as: BMJ 2011;343:d5740
  1. Nigel Hawkes
  1. 1London

The Health and Social Care Bill finally completed its passage through the House of Commons with few alarms for the government. It was given its third reading by 316 votes to 251, a government majority of 65, and now passes to the Lords where it will face further attempts at amendment.

A threatened Liberal Democrat revolt fizzled out with only four voting against the government. For most of the day a half empty house listened to familiar arguments being rehearsed, but short of a major rebellion the passage of the bill was always secure.

Andrew Lansley, the health secretary, said: …

View Full Text

Log in

Log in through your institution

Subscribe

* For online subscription