NHS must not be on the table in trade talks

Sir, – It is difficult during the current health crisis to concentrate on other matters.

However, I feel it is necessary to draw your readers’ attention to the fact the government in Westminster is carrying on arranging trade deals with other countries as part of their Brexit strategy.

For instance, this week there is the second reading of a Trade

Bill that will facilitate negotiations with the US.

US President Donald Trump has already said that “everything is on the table” including the

NHS. He has made clear he wants the market opened up to US drug companies, precipitating a rise in prices the NHS would have to pay.

He is also interested, as is Nigel Farage, in opening up Britain to US insurance companies as a way of funding the NHS in the future.

When pressed both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Trade Minister Liz Truss said they will protect the NHS. However, they have failed to provide details of how this would be done.

We must be aware, also, that although the Scottish Government has responsibility for the NHS in Scotland any trade deal negotiated with Trump, or anyone else, by Johnson would override any protections the Scottish Government may want to put in place.

This is a serious matter.

At a time when we have seen the value of the NHS in this crisis it is important to ensure it is not sacrificed/privatised in any trade deals.

If we want to protect the NHS we should be asking the government in Westminster to insert a precise and clear clause in the Trade Bill to exclude the NHS from the negotiations.

So far they have refused to do this.

The Bill will need to go through another two parliamentary stages yet, so all is not lost.

If you value the NHS please contact your MP and to press for a protection clause for the NHS in the Trade Bill.

Now more than ever we need to protect the NHS for the present and the future.

Brian Batson.

7 Lour Road, Forfar.