Lansley Attacked for Failing to Attend Social Care Talks (South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats <info@secambslibdems.org.uk>

Lansley Attacked for Failing to Attend Social Care Talks

February 18, 2010 5:37 PM

Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats have attacked Shadow Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley for refusing to attend cross party talks on social care.

Mr Lansley announced that he would not be going to a conference tomorrow (Friday 19 February 2010) unless the government ruled out a controversial "death tax" to fund care of the elderly.

Fiona Whelan, Lib Dem lead member on adult social care said: "I am absolutely appalled by this decision. This turns care of the elderly into a political bargaining tool which should never be allowed to happen.

"These are the most vulnerable members of our society and their future care is one of the most crucial issues that any future government will face. Any cross party agreement that can be reached will help to secure that care."

Geoffrey Heathcock, Lib Dem health spokesman said: "Every political party has a duty of care towards the elderly; the Conservatives will be betraying them if they fail to take part.

"Our care services are in crisis and we can only find a way forward by putting party politics aside and getting round the table. Clearly, Andrew Lansley does not see it this way but prefers to put this sensitive issue at the top of his own political agenda."

Norman Lamb, Lib Dem Shadow Health Secretary has written to Andrew Lansley urging him to attend the conference.

He said that Mr Lansley had given earlier indications that he accepted that the issue of voluntary versus compulsory schemes to fund elderly care was one of the key points to be resolved in a consensus building process.