Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to Jeremy Hunt’s announcement on overseas visitors’ and migrants’ use of the NHS, said:

“We are in favour of improving the recovery of costs from people with no entitlement to NHS treatment.

“But it’s hard not to conclude that this announcement is more about spin than substance. The Government’s own report undermines their headline-grabbing figures, admitting they are based on old and incomplete data.

“Instead of grand-standing, the Government need to focus on delivering practical changes.

“Labour would not support changes that make doctors and nurses surrogate immigration officials.”