Clegg flexing his muscles

[StealthPolarBear]

Threatening to veto the NHS reforms unless they are substantially reformed.

How much power does he have? While I'd love to see it happen (reform or veto) I doubt either will actually happening, this is all a load of posturing

The choice isn't between the NHS and the American system. It isn't even between the NHS and the German/Singapore model.

The choice is between the NHS and the French/Canadian models.

Isn't it true that pound for pound, we spend considerably less than the french or germans on healthcare?

The NHS seems good value for money to me and to most of the GBP. Satisfaction rates have never been higher.

In all those countries they spend much on healthcare as a proportion of GDP than in the UK e.g. 10-11% compared to 8%. The NHS gives value for money. There still seems to be a lot of dissatisfaction in Canada about waiting times even if they are all relieved that the hospitals are publicly funded unlike in the US.

Going back to clegg, the last time I looked the Tories couldn't get anything through the Commons without Libdem votes. So in that respect, Clegg does have power. The health reforms as they are now weren't in the coalition agreement, so the lib dems are not obliged to vote for them (although they did, at second reading). The Bill would not get through the Lords anyway, so it's a win win situation to amend it now. Clegg looks like he has some influence, Cameron doesn't lose legislation in the lords and keeps Clegg happy. Andrew Lansley's days look numbered though...

Interesting article here about wealth and accessing healthcare.

The UK comes out very well.