A government minister recently left a Tory MP somewhat speechless with a simple four-word response about NHS treatment and undocumented migrants. In the House of Commons, Sarah Bool (Conservative MP for South Northamptonshire) questioned whether these migrants were jumping the NHS queue—only to be met with a swift, no-nonsense shutdown.
The Exchange: “They Don’t”
During Home Office questions, Bool asked:
“Does the Secretary of State believe it is fair that undocumented illegal migrants get priority access to the NHS over British taxpayers?”
Immigration minister Angela Eagle delivered a razor-sharp reply:
“They don’t.”
End of conversation.
The Context: Who’s Jumping the Queue?
Bool’s query came on the back of reports suggesting some undocumented migrants might be receiving preferential hospital treatment. However, both the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care have refuted any suggestion that British taxpayers are being sidelined.
An NHS spokesperson clarified that while asylum seekers and migrants can receive free healthcare, commissioners must ensure local residents still get the care they need. If anything, their legal duty is to tackle inequalities and provide services to the most vulnerable, not to shove taxpayers to the bottom of the list.
The Aftermath: Broken Britain?
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice wasn’t having any of it, branding the situation as “Broken Britain.” But the Department of Health and Social Care was quick to remind everyone that vulnerable members of society—including asylum seekers—are legally entitled to healthcare.
“Our £26 billion investment in the NHS and reforms to the health service will make sure that it’s there for everyone, once again,” a spokesperson added.
In other words, no queue-jumping passes are being handed out—so you can sleep easy tonight.
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