Treasury report reopens NHS funding debate The author of the Treasury-commissioned report on NHS funding raised the possibility of more private delivery of care, reopening the debate on how the UK should pay for health provision. The comments came just two days after Gordon Brown appeared to use Mr Wanless's report to end arguments over health funding by ruling out all alternatives to general taxation. 10:32 | Read
Blair aides insist UK will meet NHS spending pledge UK health spending will reach the European Union average by March 2006 without a huge boost, Downing Street said, as argument raged about the cost of reviving the National Health Service. 10:28 | Read
Pre-Budget 2001 on FT.com
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Blair's unhappy friend The smashed crockery has been tidied away. Calm has been restored in the house of New Labour after the latest squall involving the sometimes turbulent relationship between Tony Blair, the prime minister, and his powerful chancellor of the exchequer, Gordon Brown.
Personal view
A tax reform offensive War is hell. But not for tax reformers. A time when national and personal priorities are reassessed is a time for change. Old prejudices can be abandoned and past mistakes admitted.