Ahead of Donald Trump’s visit to the UK this week, US ambassador Woody Johnson spoke to Andrew Marr about the NHS being part of any trade deals post-Brexit
The US ambassador, Woody Johnson, has prompted anger by starting that America will want business access to the National Health Service in a post-Brexit trade deal, according to The Guardian.
When asked if the NHS would form part of any trade negotiations, Johnson told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “I think the entire economy, in a trade deal, all things that are traded would be on the table.”
Asked if that specifically meant healthcare, he said: “I would think so.”
The BMA has responded to this news, saying that profits should never take priority over patient health.
BMA deputy council chair, Dr David Wrigley, said: “Patients, NHS staff and indeed anyone who cares about our health service, will understandably be alarmed by the recent comments from the US ambassador which should serve a clear warning of how important it is that the UK government commits to excluding the NHS from any future trade agreements post-Brexit.
“The NHS should never be ‘on the table’ and it is paramount that in the uncertainty of what a post-Brexit Britain may bring, we ensure the strongest safeguards possible.
“Profit should never take priority over the protection of the health service and the healthcare of citizens.”
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