Sir, Writing in the February 2008 issue of the Royal College of General Practitioners News, the chairman of the BMA’s General Practitioners Committee, Dr Laurence Buckman, says: “All the government cares about is voting marginals — they don’t care about patients.” He goes on: “We can’t let politicians crack the whip. Politicians aren’t primarily interested in the health service; they’re out for what will be good for themselves and their constituents.”

This kind of insulting cynicism about politicians and their constituents from one of the most senior doctors in the country is both extraordinary and shameful. Effective leadership demands an optimistic vision and a willingness to work in courteous partnership even with those with whom one disagrees.

That Dr Buckman’s derogatory and damaging attitudes are being promulgated via a Royal College concerned with setting high professional standards is all the more disappointing. It is no wonder that Alan Johnson is writing to every GP directly, urging them to accept the Government’s plans for extending surgery opening hours. Facing doctors’ leaders like Dr Buckman leaves him little option.

Until the medical profession has leaders who respect the democratic political process, set an example to other doctors by showing grace under pressure and put patients rather than their own interests first, the Government is right to ignore and bypass their catcalls.

Dr Richard Horton
Editor, The Lancet

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