Trump U-turns on NHS trade comments, saying ‘I don't see it being on the table’
‘That’s something that I would not consider part of trade,’ says US president
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump appears to have performed an abrupt U-turn on his comments that the NHS would be “on the table” in post-Brexit trade talks.
The US president sparked an almighty row when he said that the “NHS or anything else, a lot more than that” would be in the sights of US firms in any deal.
But later on Tuesday he directly contradicted himself, saying instead that “I don’t see it being on the table”.
In an interview with ITV, Mr Trump added: “Somebody asked me a question today, and I say, ‘Everything’s up for negotiation’ because everything is, but I don’t see that being – that’s something that I would not consider part of trade.
“That’s not trade.”
Details of the US bargaining position released in February said clearly that Washington would seek “full market access” for US drugs companies and “non-discriminatory treatment with respect to the purchase and sale of goods and services” by state bodies in Britain.
Weakening the NHS’s close control on drug prices and access to rich UK markets are thought to be important priorities for the Americans in a trade deal.
Mr Trump’s U-turn followed a huge backlash from unions, Conservative leadership candidates and opposition politicians.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, tweeted on Tuesday: “Dear Mr President. The NHS isn’t on the table in trade talks – and never will be. Not on my watch.”
Mr Trump’s eventful visit to the UK will continue on Wednesday, when he is expected to meet Tory leadership hopefuls Michael Gove and Jeremy Hunt.
He also held out the prospect of a meeting in the future with Jeremy Corbyn after snubbing him during this visit.
Asked if he could imagine negotiating a trade deal with a government led by Mr Corbyn, the president told ITV: “It’s always possible. Anything is possible.”
He also claimed it would have been “inappropriate” to meet the Labour leader because “a lot of things are happening right now” in the UK.
The president will travel to Portsmouth on Wednesday to take part in commemorations of the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments