Tories 'would close GP-led health centres'

A Conservative government would close GP-led health centres, according to a leading Labour MP.

Ed Balls (Photograph: Alex Deverill)

Ed Balls, children’s secretary and MP for Normanton, West Yorkshire, told the Commons last week: ‘I was surprised to discover today that not only do the Conservatives oppose the new GP centres that are being opened around the country – a Conservative government would close them – but they oppose the action being taken on tobacco advertising in shops.’

However, a spokesman for the Conservative party disputed Mr Balls' claim. The spokesman said: 'You can't just go and rip up contracts because that would be unfair and people have invested in them. The main difference is that we don't believe GP-led health centres should be imposed. Where any spring up, it should be because there is local need.'

neil.durham@haymarket.com

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