Commenting on details of trade deal negotiations between the US and the Department of Health and Social Care published today (Wednesday) by the Labour Party, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“The Tories have no scruples about letting US firms get their hands on the NHS. The Conservatives started the process with the Health and Social Act and can’t be trusted with our precious health service.
“It will be crippled by these greedy corporations and their overpriced wares. The cost of drugs alone will soar by hundreds of millions of pounds a week.
“The NHS is not for sale and must be protected. Any trade deal should not only exclude this beloved institution and other public services, but also prevent costly legal challenges in private investment courts.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
