A BOURNEMOUTH MP says the sooner the NHS reforms go through Parliament and receive royal assent the better.

The controversial bill is aimed at overhauling the NHS in England and putting GPs in control of much of its budget and encouraging greater competition with the private sector.

Yesterday it emerged Conservative Cabinet members have “rung the alarm bell” about the reforms with one comparing it to the poll tax.

But Conor Burns, Conservative MP for Bournemouth West, said he was “bitterly disappointed” it has become a “political football” with people trying to secure political points.

“We all want a patient-responsive health service that puts the needs of patients first. The sooner this bill completes its parliamentary progress, gets Royal Ascent and goes into the statutory book the sooner patients and those working in the NHS with have certainty and stability.”

He added that with Primary Care Trusts in the process of winding down, the changes are “beyond the point of no return”.