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Minister for Moonshine?

Was Minister of State for Health, Phil Hope, appointed in Ivan Lewis’ place for his skill in deflecting any criticism of Government delays? In his comparatively low profile appearances so far, indications are he is using a political tactic that is practically impossible to challenge. For example in the recent mental health advocacy debate (see below), when asked why the delay between the rest of the new Act being implemented last November and the advocacy arrangements in the Act not being implemented until April 2009 he said:

“We want to get on with it and make things happen, but also ensure that we get it right. They say, “Marry in haste, repent at leisure,” and I am afraid the same is true of the more prosaic act of our implementing legislation.“

In today’s Guardian (27.01.09.), in the news piece, ”Doctor’s condemn NHS as ‘institutionally ageist’,“ it says:

Phil Hope, the minister for care services denied that the Government was dithering over tackling ageism in the NHS. He said: ”It is vital we get the legislation right to ensure there are no unintended consequences...We need to bring in changes over time, to make sure we get it right.“

Good technique!

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