Yvette Cooper retains NHS watchdog after widespread opposition from lawmakers

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper has dropped plans to abolish Healthwatch England, the independent patient champion for the National Health Service, The Guardian reported. The decision follows an outcry from members of parliament across the political spectrum. AOL.co.uk also reported that Cooper dropped the plans after the outcry. [1][2]

According to The Guardian, the health secretary has decided to keep and extend the role of Healthwatch England and its 150 local branches. The watchdog was originally scheduled to be axed as part of a government reorganisation of the health service in England. The decision represents the latest U-turn by ministers regarding the health bill since Andy Burnham became prime minister in July. [1]

Cooper has served as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care since July 2026 and is the Labour Party Member of Parliament for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley. She previously served as Foreign Secretary from September 2025 to July 2026, Home Secretary from 2024 to 2025, and Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2007 to 2008. [3][4]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Cooper recently instructed NHS England to draw up plans to end hospital corridor care for children and announced 140 million pounds in urgent care funding ahead of winter. [5]