SIR – In 2002, New Labour moved forward on the internal market in the NHS started by the Tories in the 1990s.

NHS foundation trusts were created. It was intended for them to stand on their own feet by borrowing on the money markets, buying services from private providers and, if unsuccessful, go bust.

This was followed by the introduction of privatelyrun independent treatment centres whose activities drained £5.6 billion from the NHS into private pockets.

Another step in the NHS privatisation process under New Labour was the establishment of alternative provider medical services which would commission services from private companies, the very model that is now being proposed by the Tory-led coalition.

At the time, I complained in a letter to the Worcester News (March 22, 2002) about the Blair government’s policy of more private involvement in our public services.

Two months later, I was deselected as a Labour candidate for my dissent.

Imagine my surprise to see a letter from Councillor Joy Squires (Worcester News, May 16), chairman of Worcester Labour party in 2002, calling the Government’s plans for the NHS an unholy mess, having supported them so uncompromisingly under New Labour.

What breathtaking hypocrisy.

PETER NIELSEN
Worcester