Boris backs down again

[1forsorrow]

NHS surcharge removed for NHS workers. Yesterday it couldn't be done.......

Good news though

StrawberryJam it is, and the bereavement scheme he backdown on yesterday. Conservative MPs siding with Labour.

I am impressed that he is willing to change his mind like this. Presumably they found a way that it could be done and I am glad because it really didn’t seem far to charge migrant nhs workers for care if they themselves need it.

Meant “fair” not “far”.... stupid typo

As an immigration lawyer I am fascinated to see how they will administer this (which will cost millions to do, and the admin will cost far more than the actual refund/saving to the individual worker).

There is no visa which allows someone to work in the UK as a carer.. so how are they possibly going to administer this? Easy enough for those who obtained Tier 2 visas to work as a doctor or nurse, but there will be plenty of others who have a different visa type e.g. spouse of a British person where the government wouldn't have a clue if they are a carer.

The actual number of people who will benefit from this will be relatively low, it's all about the PR. Better yet for the government to acknowledge that the Immigration Health Surcharge is a stupid idea and scrap it completely for everyone.

I'm glad he has done it as it is fair, I don't think they've found a way to do it I think they've just caved. I'm not so sure how I feel about that, he isn't a strong leader or decisive and we need a strong leader but then I wanted him to do it so I am a bit conflicted.

@Deanetta Better yet for the government to acknowledge that the Immigration Health Surcharge is a stupid idea and scrap it completely for everyone. I suspect that would be a better idea but that was probably too big a step. The reality is we need other works, not just NHS and carers.

Matt Hancock being asked about it and why the PM changed his mind from yesterday. Apparently he was asked about the surcharge yesterday but has now asked MH to look at it for NHS workers. Funny as I definitely heard Keir Starmer ask about it specifically for NHS workers.

I'm pleased he did tbh.