Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was challenged today by Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George over government “backpedalling” on measures put in place to protect the NHS. George raised concerns following revelations that restrictions stopping private companies from “cherry picking” the most profitable services are to be dropped.

Speaking at Health Questions, Mr George said:

“In order to get the Health and Social Care Act through Parliament the Government made explicit promises that private companies could not ‘cherry pick’ the least complex procedures and patients. Yet a recent letter from the Deputy Chief Executive of the NHS, David Flory, shows that the government is backpedalling and will be depending merely on guidance. Will the Secretary of State show a bit of backbone and protect our core NHS services?”

In response the Health Secretary said he wanted to “reassure” Mr George and that he would write to him on the issue.