Jeremy Hunt: Economy could impact upon NHS budget

Government pledges to protect the NHS budget could be undermined by negative economic developments, according to new health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Speaking to the Spectator, Mr Hunt refused to commit to predecessor Andrew Lansley's promise that the health service's budget will continually increase in real terms.

The Conservative minister said it would be the "instinct" of both himself and prime minister David Cameron to continue to protect the NHS budget, but added that the volatility of the global economy makes it impossible to make firm promises.

Mr Hunt said: "I don't think it's possible to make a prediction because there is so much uncertainty in the economic outlook and no-one knows what is going to happen with the eurozone."

However, the health secretary was able to confirm the continuation of many of his predecessor's policies, including the push to reform the social care sector in accordance with the Dilnot recommendations.

This comes in the same week that shadow health secretary Andy Burnham pledged to reverse coalition policies on the privatisation of NHS services should Labour win power.