Talking to Healthcare Republic, the GPC chairman said the White Paper is a ‘really interesting package’, but said he would welcome more detail on ‘virtually everything’.

Click here for the full details of the NHS White Paper

He said within the government’s GP commissioning plans, question remain about what happens if GPs fail and how GPs will be held accountable.

Dr Buckman said: ‘These are good questions, but they are not answered in the White Paper.

‘We look forward to hearing from Andrew Lansley to get more detail on the plans.’

Dr Buckman also raised concerns that sections of the White Paper suggest the government ‘would be happy for the private sector to turn up’ and be involved in healthcare.

He said: ‘The BMA position on this is that we would not be happy [for private sector involvement]. We don’t think it is necessary.

‘I think the vast majority of GPs will be not be keen to involve the private sector in this. This is an opportunity for GPs to unite to make sure the health service works well for the people England, without the involvement of private sector.’

Dr Buckman also raised concerns about the government’s commitment in the White Paper to allow patients to register with a GP regardless of where they live.

He said: ‘It is a big mistake to give people completely unrestricted access to GPs, and this will be difficult for GPs to go along with. Again, there is no detail, so we need to find out what this really means.’

Click here to view health White Paper 2010 news and analysis