Labour will today ask MPs to reject Coalition Government plans to allow foundation trusts to raise up to 49% of their income from private patients.
Shadow Health secretary Andy Burnham will say the plan to let NHS hospitals earn 49% of income from treating private patients will lead to longer NHS waiting lists and a two-tier health service.
The plans were announced in the Lords just before the Christmas break. Currently most foundation trusts are only allowed to raise around 2% of their income from non-NHS sources.
According to Labour, leaked emails from Liberal Democrat activists reveal huge grassroots concern about the issue and a feeling that Liberal Democrat MPs are not listening to members.
Mr Burnham said: “People will be shocked to discover that the Government is allowing NHS hospitals to devote half their beds, appointments and car park spaces to the treatment of private patients. David Cameron's plan opens the door to an explosion of private work in NHS facilities, meaning longer waits for NHS patients and a two-tier health service in England.
"This 49% plan is the starkest sign yet of how our NHS will change if Lansley's Bill gets through. In time, England's hospitals could become like US hospitals, putting pursuit of profits before patient care."
He added: "I feel sure that many people who voted Lib Dem at the last election will be aghast at the thought of their votes being used to support the privatisation the NHS.
"It is clear there is huge disquiet in the Lib Dem grassroots about this 49% plan. I hope Lib Dem MPs will listen to their voters and Party members and stand with Labour in rejecting the Government's privatisation plans."