Abolition of Healthwatch

That this House expresses deep concern over proposals in the NHS Modernisation Bill to abolish Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations; commends Healthwatch's essential role as the health service's only statutory independent patient voice; notes that the changes will leave the NHS and DHSC responsible for identifying their own failures and patients reliant on the very organisations that failed them; commends the extensive research and patient involvement undertaken by local Healthwatch organisations across the country; recognises the vital role of Healthwatch in exposing challenges and bringing about change in the NHS; and calls on the Government to cancel its plans to abolish Healthwatch.