Rishi Sunak, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has finally admitted to using private healthcare after his repeated refusal to answer questions about reports he has enjoyed the services of a private GP. The revelation comes just days after The Times reported that Mr Sunak and his wife have been using a private GP since he was elected as MP for South West Surrey in May 2015.
NHS England has urged Mr Sunak to make a public statement about his use of private healthcare, as it raises important questions about the affordability and accessibility of NHS services.
Mr Sunak has previously refused to answer questions about his private healthcare arrangements, citing the privacy of his family. However, he has now agreed to answer questions about his use of the service from NHS England.
NHS England has urged Mr Sunak to make a public statement about his use of private healthcare, as it raises important questions about the affordability and accessibility of NHS services. Mr Sunak has previously refused to answer questions about his private healthcare arrangements, citing the privacy of his family. However, he has now agreed to answer questions about his use of the service from NHS England.
The prime minister said he had used “independent” health care outside of the NHS during a feisty PMQs exchange in the Commons.
“I am registered with a NHS GP,” Mr Sunak said, before adding: “I have used independent health care in the past, and I’m also grateful to the Friarage Hospital for the fantastic care they’ve given my family over the years.”