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The Electoral politics is clear - Labour are trying to make public vs private a fault line as there are no real difference in policy with the conservatives and Labour has lost its poll lead on health.

A clumsy and ill considered strategy though. Is the NHS the preferred provider for GP, Optometry, Dental or Pharmacy care where these are almost exclusively 'private sector'. How about complex placements? What about the recently let third sector contracts for Psychological therapy?

There is nothing world class about a centrally written policy based on 'accountabililty information' which is of necessity crude and high level as it is not tailored to services.

And how long before this new policy fails the EU competition and procurement law test?

Come on Mr Burnham. Must try harder.