GPC deputy chairman Dr Richard Vautrey said earlier this week that the meeting would aim to define a joint stance on opposition to the Health Bill between organisations representing health professionals.

He said: 'My understanding is that it will involve representatives from all royal colleges and the intention is to discuss the situation relating to the Bill and to seek support for the BMA and RCN position, voicing opposition to the Bill.

'The intention is to provide a united position against the Health Bill but in support of appropriate changes to the NHS.'

Ahead of the meeting, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges held intensive talks with ministers after it was reported to have agreed at a board meeting on Tuesday that it could not support the Health Bill in its current form.

The BMA, the RCN and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges issued the following statement after Thursday night's meeting: 'A number of medical royal colleges, the BMA, the RCN and organisations representing other clinical professionals, met today (26/1/12) to discuss their approaches to the Health Bill. There was a useful exchange of information and an agreement to continue the dialogue.'