Peers could force second redrafting of rules on tendering services

The government could be forced to abandon controversial regulations that would open up large parts of the NHS in England to competition if peers decide the rules are unworkable and damaging to the NHS and patient care.

Although the regulations, tabled under section 75 of the Health and Social Care Act, come into force on 1 April, they can still be challenged by peers, leading to a debate and vote in the House of Lords, up to 40 days later.

Philip Hunt, the Labour Party’s spokesman on health in the House of Lords, will put down a “prayer” before the house on 27 March calling for the regulations to be revoked. Because the …