Yvette Cooper drops plans to abolish Healthwatch after outcry

Yvette Cooper has abandoned plans to abolish the NHS’s independent patient champion after an outcry from MPs across the political spectrum.

The health secretary has decided to keep and extend the role of Healthwatch England, which was due to be axed as part of the government’s reorganisation of the health service in England.

The move is the latest in a series of U-turns by ministers on core elements of the health bill since Andy Burnham became prime minister in July.

Sources at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said her decision to retain and strengthen Healthwatch and its network of branches illustrated her strong belief – which Burnham shares – in public and local accountability.

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Source: 28 October 2026