The
NHS has always given free health care to UK residents. Its founding
principles were healthcare free for all, regardless of ability to
pay. This was a universal right, which applied to all who lived in
Britain.
Under
the Immigration Act 2014, the government is planning to charge
certain migrants for GP and emergency treatment. Non-EU migrants and
students will be forced to pay before being allowed NHS treatment,
and refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants will be
excluded from many crucial services.
This
will fundamentally undermine the right to healthcare enjoyed by all
since 1948, and ultimately
hurt all of us.