People might have said we were scaremongering. But here we are: the Competition Commission is intervening, for the first time, in the NHS, to block the sensible collaboration between two NHS hospitals. They can no longer deny it, it’s absolutely clear.

Animal research has lead to advances in the treatment of many conditions... Where there is no alternative available, we will continue to ensure that the balance between animal welfare and scientific advancement is maintained.

The verification services that could be offered would be applied appropriately according to the business process that was involved.

We've had a day of great drama and of humour too. The rumour mill is now taking over

People might have said we were scaremongering. But here we are: the Competition Commission is intervening, for the first time, in the NHS, to block the sensible collaboration between two NHS hospitals. They can no longer deny it, it’s absolutely clear.

Over the moon about strong support for the National Health Service - an institution I will defend to my dying day, second only to Everton FC.