© Matthew Buck Hack Cartoons

The Prime Minister tried to relaunch policy on the National Health Service yesterday. His speech was essential following the disastrous reaction of professional bodies and stakeholders in the state-funded service to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley’s initial proposals. This reaction was so negative and so strong, it necessitated an emergency ‘listening exercise’ pausing the legislative process. The PM has also felt the need to make three speeches on the proposals since early April. There is open betting on how long Andrew Lansley can stay in post.

Suspicions (Socialist Worker) about the government’s intentions were heightened by the activities of Mark Britnell – a recent member of David Cameron’s informal advisors on health, now at KPMG – who was reported making an incautious speech (Telegraph) about plans for the public service while at conference of venture capitalists in the United States.

Mr Britnell has been disowned – at least in public – by Mr Cameron. This drawing is extracted from a larger piece too.