Further to the news that Staffordshire Ambulance Service will merge with
the West Midlands within 24 months, Health Minister Andy Burnham, was
questioned consistently in the House of Commons Chamber between 3.30pm
and 4.30pm this afternoon by Labour and Conservative MPs.

Michael Fabricant says: "The Minister was asked time and time again
whether if the West Midlands Ambulance Service does not improve its
standards to that of the Staffordshire service within the 24 month
period, would any merger be delayed. The Minister, while showing
sympathy with his Labour and Conservative questioners, refused to give
any firm commitment. He wriggled.

"If a merger goes ahead within 2 years and standards in Staffordshire
drop as a direct consequence, many Staffordshire lives will be lost
unnecessarily. The Government must lift this self-imposed 24 month
deadline."