Lib Dem health bill rebel: Chance to influence health bill is now

Andrew George, the Lib Dem rebel on the health bill, bluntly emailed Lib Dem activists last month warning of the risks of waiting till the party conference to oppose the health bill:

"Of course I'll try to influence colleagues but some are still basking in the synthetic afterglow of the post-pause bill revision, perhaps having duped themselves that it's 'job done'!

"People need to wake up to the fact that we can say what we like at conference, but the MPs' main chance to influence would already have passed!"

Political news to your inbox

Fill in your details to receive Politics.co.uk's brand of informed, in-depth and independent coverage of Westminster to your inbox

Hot topics

Britain's great energy debate

How the power gets to Britain's homes in the next century remains a matter of deep controversy

As the next general election begins to loom over the horizon, the debate over Britain's future energy policy mix is starting to hot up - and nothing seems guaranteed.

The Heathrow third runway debate

Heathrow's third runway is just one of many options

There won't be a final decision on Britain's long-term aviation strategy until after the 2015 general election - but an aggressive national debate is already underway.

Opinion Former Events

MRSA Action UK Annual Memorial Event

Families will pay tribute and remember those lost to MRSA and healthcare associated infections at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 13th June 2013

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition & Conference 2013

Following the great success of the BSIA's Information Destruction Conference and Exhibition in May 2012, we are pleased to annouce that the event is returning again in June 2013. This one-day conference and exhibition is aimed at key decision makers in organisations that carry out the secure destruction of confidential material.