Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham criticises the latest NHS reform concessions as an empty gesture from the government:

"Nick Clegg has sold the NHS short by settling for this watered-down package.

"It has all the hallmarks of a behind the scenes coalition deal designed as a fig leaf for Mr Clegg to cling to at a difficult Spring Conference this weekend.

"It leaves the coalition's plans to turn the NHS into a free market firmly in place and does not address the profound concerns of health professionals.

"Lib Dem activists will not be convinced by Nick Clegg's posturing and face-saving amendments. Labour is making a genuine appeal to Liberal Democrats who feel the same as we do; stand firm and stand up for the NHS. Together, between us, we have the power to stop this bill and save our NHS.