The government has been forced on the defensive over a leaked document which appeared to cast doubt on its commitment to a free NHS.

Scottish secretary Helen Liddell told the Association of Public Service Excellence that the government's commitment to an NHS free at the point of delivery was absolute.

The document is to be presented at a Labour Party policy forum today as part of a two year process of drafting the next election manifesto.

Forum Response: Unison

Dave Prentis, the general secretary of Unison, told ePolitix.com: "If these words are just intended to reflect the status quo, i.e. prescription charges or charges for eye tests then that needs to be clarified urgently.

"However, if the words mean that there will be more charges, for example to see your GP, or more privatisation then there will be an unholy war in the Labour party and we will fight tooth and nail to get them removed."