Unions call for NHS bill to be abandoned

Two unions that represent nurses and midwives have called for the government's NHS plans in England to be abandoned.

The Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives have previously expressed concerns over the reforms, but had said they were willing to work alongside ministers.

However, they have now called for the amendments to be dropped altogether, claiming their "outright opposition" to the changes.

The colleges' stance comes after the British Medical Association made a similar move last year and also mirrors the views adopted by Unison, which represents a large number of administration and support staff.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the bill is necessary to "empower doctors, nurses and other frontline healthcare workers across the NHS".

The government said it will continue to work with nurses and all other health professionals to ensure "the NHS delivers the best possible care".