Oral Answers to Questions

Philip Dunne Excerpts

Thursday 25th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con)]

7. If he will ensure that future free trade agreements do not (a) lower standards in and (b) lead to the privatisation of the NHS.

[Mr Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con)]

9. If he will ensure that future free trade agreements do not (a) lower standards in and (b) lead to the privatisation of the NHS.

[The Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade (Dr Liam Fox)]

As we leave the European Union, the Government will ensure that all future trade agreements continue to protect the UK’s right to regulate public services, including the NHS. I have been clear on a number of occasions that more trade should not come at the expense of the high levels of quality and protection enjoyed in the UK.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Fox]

There is also the small matter of putting British taxpayers first, and ensuring that they are getting value for money from any contracts that we award. However, I entirely agree with what the right hon. Gentleman said about Anzac day. In fact, may I take the opportunity to invite colleagues to join me and others at the wreath-laying ceremony that will take place at the Cenotaph at 10.30 this morning, and the service at Westminster Abbey that will follow it?

[Mr Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con)]

I welcome my right hon. Friend’s comments earlier on trade agreements and the NHS. As a former clinician, can he confirm categorically that future trade agreements will not impact adversely on the values, standards or funding model of the NHS?

[Dr Fox]

As I said, it is very important that NHS policy and management are decided by British political debate, not from outside. We have had considerable success in utilising the private sector to augment the NHS. As Andy Burnham said, the previous Labour Government worked with the private sector to bring down NHS waiting lists, and they came right down. I would hope that any future Labour Government would have exactly the same freedoms to use the same policies.