While reading the front page story last week (‘They have lied’, Enfield Independent, May 11), I was struck by Nick de Bois’ failure to address any of Dr Singer’s criticisms of the Government’s NHS reform plans.

He apparently hopes the Government’s “listening exercise” won’t change the core principles of the Bill — in other words the Government shouldn’t listen too much.

In case anyone is in doubt about the Government’s (and Mr de Bois’) plans, the Health and Social Care Bill removes the Health Secretary’s statutory duty to provide a comprehensive health service. He merely has to “promote” one.

It turns the NHS into little more than a funding agency and “brand”, and gives Mr Lansley’s friends in the private health lobby free rein to take over services and cream off profits at the expense of both the taxpayer and patient care.

As Dr Singer points out, none of this was in the coalition agreement and, as a leading proponent of the reforms, Mr de Bois owes us a proper explanation as to why he and his party have so blatantly set out to deceive us.

Even more extraordinary was Mrs Hayes’ bravado in defence of Mr de Bois on your letters page (‘Recognise MP’s effort’, Opinion, May 11) – I’ll let readers draw their own conclusions about the credibility of her claims.

Paul Sceeny
Lavender Hill, Enfield