Sir – We are deeply concerned about the Government’s proposals for the National Health Service. Despite commitments to the contrary, it is now clear that these intend to open the door to profit-making organisations without safeguarding the delivery of free high-quality health care.

Oxfordshire GPs are horrified at the prospect of greater fragmentation of the health service and the suggestion that they be responsible for commissioning as well as delivering services. Their concerns include the lack of consultation and the idea being falsely promulgated that they are in favour of the proposals.

A local GP spokesperson states: “The vast majority of GPs in the UK have no intention of becoming involved with commissioning.

“It is an infuriating travesty of the truth to say that the existence of pathfinder CCGs [clinical commissioning groups] denotes genuine increased involvement of GPs in commissioning.” There is no support for the proposed changes from major health organisations, such as the Royal Colleges of Nurses, Midwives and GPs, the British Medical Association and trade unions such as UNISON. The proposals were not included in either of the coalition parties’ manifestos and are profoundly anti-democratic.

Research shows that the NHS in its current form is an extremely cost-effective mechanism for delivering the nation’s healthcare, at 9.8 per cent of GDP, compared with eg 11.6 per cent in Germany.

We ask our local MPs for a formal public response to these key questions: 1: Will they put pressure on the Government to halt the Health and Social Care Bill and instead to invest in publicly delivered and owned health services?

2: Will they argue for public funding for the NHS to continue to deliver cost-effective services that tackle health inequalities?

3: Will they publicly commit to supporting an NHS free at the point of delivery, with no increase in the use of the private sector in the NHS?

Ann Black, Gillian Butler, Alison Campbell, Beverley Clack, professor, Oxford Brookes; Cllr Van Coulter, Jane Darke, Tina Everett, physiotherapist; James Fry, Annie Higgs, Christine Hill, former social worker, Joan Hawton, Sue Ledwith, Ruskin College; Gawain Little, president, Oxford & District Trades Union Council; Bill MacKeith, secretary, Oxon Keep Our NHS Public; Kate McKenzie, FRSA; Roger McKenzie, FRSA, OBE, assistant general secretary UNISON; Ros Nicholas, registered nurse; Bobbie Nichols; Lesley Page, visiting professor in Midwifery; Michele Paule, senior lecturer, Oxford Brookes; Cllr Bob Price, leader, Oxford City Council; Cllr John Tanner; Sue Tanner; Dr Ken Williamson, GP; Lowell Winkelman