PM suggests NHS could be a part of US trade deal

Theresa May insists the government would remain ‘committed to an NHS that is free at the point of use’ but couldn’t comment further.

Prime Minister Theresa May says she can only commit to a health service that is free at the point of delivery, but could not comment on whether the NHS would be off the table in trade deal discussions.

During an interview with the Independent May was asked if UK health services might form a part of a potential deal, she said: “We’re at the start of the process of talking about a trade deal. 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”, “I believe we can come to an agreement that is in the interests of both”.

When asked again whether the NHS would be off the table she said: “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.”

The statement left open the possibility of the greater involvement of US firms in UK healthcare, as long as people do not have to pay for the services they provide at the moment they are received.