The health secretary has vowed to overturn a Lords defeat on his flagship foundation hospitals plan.

The government's legislation was rocked on Thursday when the House of Lords rejected the plan outright.

Speaking on Friday Reid said he intended to overturn the defeat when the legislation returns to the elected chamber.

"We have had our debate. It was controversial, but the Commons' will is clear," he said.

"It is not right the will of the Commons on such a major issue should just be thrown out by the unelected Lords."

Peers voted against the plans by 150 votes to 100 - and MPs are also divided on the issue.

The legislation will now return to the Commons - where it is expected to be passed despite a Labour revolt.

That will then lead to the Bill becoming caught up in parliamentary "ping pong" between both Houses.

Conservative health spokesman Earl Howe warned that ministers had "failed to answer our concerns on foundation hospitals".

He said that the plans will not deliver genuine freedom to hospitals, could damage non-foundation hospitals and could prove "costly and ineffective".

"The Commons should have the chance to review the plans again," Earl Howe said. "Ideally, the government should take more time to get the policy right, if need be in a revised Bill next session."

Liberal Democrat MP Paul Tyler said the health secretary was guilty of hypocrisy.

"Dr Reid has attacked the House of Lords for overturning his Bill on the grounds that they are un-elected," he said.

"But in February this year, the health secretary followed the prime minister's example and voted for peers to remain un-elected."