Yvette Cooper reverses plan to abolish Healthwatch England after cross-party outcry

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper has dropped plans to abolish Healthwatch England, the independent patient champion for the NHS in England, following significant backlash from MPs across the political spectrum. The watchdog was slated for elimination under the government's broader reorganisation of the health service, but its role will now be retained and expanded. Healthwatch England provides a voice for patients and the public, helping to hold the NHS accountable by gathering feedback and highlighting concerns about care quality. Its proposed abolition drew criticism from campaigners and politicians who argued it would weaken patient representation at a time when the NHS faces mounting pressures. The decision to keep the body underscores the importance of independent scrutiny in the health system. The reversal is part of a wider reassessment of planned changes to NHS oversight structures. Other proposals under review include scrapping the Health Services Safety Investigations Body, removing council representation on integrated care boards, and dropping the requirement for a nurse on every foundation trust board. Cooper's move signals a willingness to listen to concerns about eroding accountability mechanisms. By preserving Healthwatch England, the government acknowledges the value of patient-led oversight in improving services. The decision is likely to be welcomed by patient groups and opposition parties, who view the watchdog as a crucial safeguard for public involvement in healthcare decisions. The focus now shifts to how its expanded role will be implemented.