Menu
14/08/2009
Cameron Dubs Hannan 'Eccentric'
A Tory MEP's controversial views on the NHS have been branded "eccentric" by party leader David Cameron.
Mr Cameron today moved to distance himself from comments made by Daniel Hannan, who denounced the National Health Service on American TV.
Mr Hannan described the public service as a "60 year mistake", however, Mr Cameron hoped to reassure voters on his party's position, by stating the NHS was a "number one priority".
The MEP expressed his views on the Fox News Channel during a debate over US President Barack Obama's plans to establish a similar system in America.
Labour and the Lib Dems claim Mr Hannan's views are shared by many Conservatives.
But Mr Cameron told the BBC: "The Conservative Party stands four square behind the NHS.
"We are the party of the NHS, we back it, we are going to expand it, we have ring-fenced it and said that it will get more money under a Conservative government, and it is our number one mission to improve it."
Speaking on Mr Hannan's outburst, the Tory boss said: "He does have some quite eccentric views about some things, and political parties always include some people who don't toe the party line on one issue or another issue."
Political opponents have been quick to react to the MEP's view, starting a lively debate on the social networking tool Twitter.
Both Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah have voiced their unreserved support for the NHS on the site, under the Twitter heading 'welovethenhs'.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham claimed recent events are Mr Cameron's "worst nightmare".
"Their election strategy is not to talk about the NHS. Cameron knows there is deep hostility towards it within his ranks.
"Hannan is not the only one - many senior Tory MPs would privately agree with his comments," suggested Mr Burnham.
"But by having to interrupt his holiday and being forced out on the defensive yesterday, Cameron had no choice but to lavish belated praise on Labour's NHS."
(PR/BMcC)
Mr Cameron today moved to distance himself from comments made by Daniel Hannan, who denounced the National Health Service on American TV.
Mr Hannan described the public service as a "60 year mistake", however, Mr Cameron hoped to reassure voters on his party's position, by stating the NHS was a "number one priority".
The MEP expressed his views on the Fox News Channel during a debate over US President Barack Obama's plans to establish a similar system in America.
Labour and the Lib Dems claim Mr Hannan's views are shared by many Conservatives.
But Mr Cameron told the BBC: "The Conservative Party stands four square behind the NHS.
"We are the party of the NHS, we back it, we are going to expand it, we have ring-fenced it and said that it will get more money under a Conservative government, and it is our number one mission to improve it."
Speaking on Mr Hannan's outburst, the Tory boss said: "He does have some quite eccentric views about some things, and political parties always include some people who don't toe the party line on one issue or another issue."
Political opponents have been quick to react to the MEP's view, starting a lively debate on the social networking tool Twitter.
Both Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah have voiced their unreserved support for the NHS on the site, under the Twitter heading 'welovethenhs'.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham claimed recent events are Mr Cameron's "worst nightmare".
"Their election strategy is not to talk about the NHS. Cameron knows there is deep hostility towards it within his ranks.
"Hannan is not the only one - many senior Tory MPs would privately agree with his comments," suggested Mr Burnham.
"But by having to interrupt his holiday and being forced out on the defensive yesterday, Cameron had no choice but to lavish belated praise on Labour's NHS."
(PR/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
24 March 2011
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
16 May 2011
PM Restates Case For Change In NHS
Prime Minister David Cameron has today set out the case for change in the NHS. Speaking to an audience of patients and staff at Ealing Hospital, Mr Cameron said the NHS needs to change to make it work better today and to “avoid a crisis tomorrow”.
PM Restates Case For Change In NHS
Prime Minister David Cameron has today set out the case for change in the NHS. Speaking to an audience of patients and staff at Ealing Hospital, Mr Cameron said the NHS needs to change to make it work better today and to “avoid a crisis tomorrow”.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
