politics

Mr Birtwistle (MP) pledged to get an A&E department back in Burnley as part of his 2010 electio campaign. He said: “We are going to get a new £9million emergency unit in Burnley. I’m absolutel delighted because it’s something we have been battling for five years.

Helen Jones Labour MP, Shadow Minister visited Gannow Ward last week to meet Betsy Stringer. Helen also commented on the issues facing Burnley.

“Burnley and Lancashire are being let down by the Lib Dems and Tories. Every person in Burnley is having £88 taken away through the Government’s cuts to council services which is three times larger than the cut in the South East. The cuts are hitting the areas most in need hardest and that is simply unfair.

After reading our Lib Dem MPs 'Westminster Week' dated 16/09/11, I feel very strongly that I should be allowed to make comment on his actions in the Health and Social Care Bill. He has now shown his true colours on this issue; and he should hang his head in shame.

While handing out leaflets for the Labour/Unite stall in Burnley town centre on Saturday, it was really positive to see how so many people in Burnley feel passionately about their NHS. It’s a shame our MP Gordon Birtwistle doesn't have this in common with the people he represents.

• The secretary of state will no longer have a duty to provide a health service to all: that's devolved to an unaccountable National Commissioning Board. Nor will he have power to instruct the NCB, only a duty to respect its autonomy: no one can appeal to him against bad decisions.