UK health services could be part of US trade deal between Theresa May and Donald Trump
The British Prime Minister Theresa May got to the White House in order to discuss with Trump about economical trading deal between USA and UK from now on. Among the discussed arguments, there was the involvement of US corporations in British healthcare.
“We’re both very clear that we want a trade deal. It will be in the interests of the UK from my point of view, that’s what I’m going to be taking in, into the trade discussions that take place in due course. Obviously he will have the interests of the US. I believe we can come to an agreement that is in the interests of both. As regards the NHS, we’re very clear as a Government that we’re committed to an NHS that is free at the point of use.”
It could be possible of a great involvement of US firms in British healthcare, however, until that people do not have to pay for the services they provide at the moment they are received.
“The NHS will never be part of a trade deal and will always remain free at the point of delivery.”, this is what number 10 spokesman said at the end of the discussion.
On the other hand, Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat Leader said:
“The public were told Brexit would mean another £350m a week for the NHS, not that our health service would be opened up to US firms. Theresa May must immediately clarify that the NHS will not be up for sale in any future negotiations with Trump. Hollowing out our health service in the name of a trade deal with the US would be an utter betrayal of most of those who voted to leave the EU.”
One of the key factors that led to opposition to the TTIP trade deal between the US and EU was fear over whether it would open up the NHS to vast multi-national corporations who might put the profits ahead of patient care.
Ms May faced repeated questions in the Commons on Wednesday, with Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn urging her to rule out any deal that would give US giants a toehold in British healthcare.
The SNP also raised concerns that a deal could see UK supermarkets stocked with foods that do not meet current safety standards