Hinchingbrooke franchise delay: are Lib Dems the problem?

THE contract with Circle UK for the running of Hinchingbrooke Hospital has still not been signed. There is obviously a problem that is causing the delay.

Following Sunday’s Politics Show interview with Simon Hughes, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat half of the coalition, in which he says that there will be no privatisation of the NHS nor will there be any privatisation of services provided by the NHS, can we conclude that this may signal Hinchingbrooke Hospital staying firmly within the control of the trust?

He says in the interview that there are ongoing discussions within Government about the Lansley plan for privatisation. Is this the reason for the delay in signing the contract?

JONATHAN SALT

Sayer Street

Huntingdon