When Britons’ least favourite US president suggests that our favourite national institution is “on the table” for a post Brexit US trade deal, particularly in the middle of a Conservative leadership campaign, the results are predictable.
“The NHS isn’t on the table”, said leadership contender (and current health secretary) Matt Hancock. “The NHS is not for sale”, said leadership contender (and hard Brexiteer) Dominic Raab, echoing Theresa May after her meeting with Trump last year. Leadership contender (and former health secretary) Jeremy Hunt issued similarly emollient reassurances.
Seemingly chastened (if such a thing is possible), Trump later rowed back, telling ITV’s Piers Morgan, “I don't see it being on the table”. Simon Stevens, NHS England’s boss, told a conference that he “preferred Trump’s second comment”.
