Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to the Government’s announcement to charge overseas visitors for using some NHS services, said:

“It’s right that abuse in the NHS is tackled and that people who are not eligible for free care are asked to pay the money they owe. 

"But the Tories need to stop using over-blown rhetoric and making unrealistic claims. NHS staff should be confident that they are allowed to treat patients first in an emergency, rather than issuing them an invoice. 

"The truth is this is not the first time Ministers have made such an announcement. Over the last five years the Government has repeatedly announced policies that might sound good on paper, but prove to be completely unworkable. 

"We need a proper consultation on these plans to ensure they don’t lumber NHS staff with even more work.”