Government watchdog the Care Quality Commission is supposed to be keeping a careful eye on health institutions on our behalf.

Unfortunately, it seems to have not only fallen down on its basic duty but has allegedly been covering up its errors.

Anyone can make a mistake but one is supposed to learn from them, though not it seems the CQC.

Failures in its oversight at Barrow-in-Furness General Hospital are said to have led to unneccessary deaths and we are already all too familiar with the appalling neglect at the Mid-Staffordshire hospital.

We are paying for this outfit which is clearly not fit for purpose and there must be urgent and radical changes.

Paul Nuttall, UKIP North West MEP.