Brexit is not the cause of the NHS crisis
Whereas a lot of new issues may occur for the NHS after the UK leaves the European Union, it appears that the relation between the two is not as direct. David Hearne, from the Center of Brexit Studies, tells us more in the video below.
4 facts about Brexit and the NHS
1 — THE UK DOES NOT GIVE £350 MILLIONS A WEEK TO THE EU
In 2014, only £248 million a week was estimated to be paid to the EU. However, this estimate does not include the rebate, paid back in different sectors such as agriculture.
Moreover, the UK is the country that gives the fewest contributions to the European Union; indeed, every country is supposed to pay 1% of its Gross National Income every year, but the United Kingdom only gives 0.65%.
Finally, these contributions change every year: whereas in 2013 £278 million was given to the EU per week, this figure goes down to £168 million a week in 2009, according to the official EU Finances report published by HM Treasury.
2 — THE EU DOES NOT DECIDE HOW MUCH MONEY IS ALLOCATED TO THE NHS
The government does. Indeed, less funding from the European Union will mean less money available to the country, but the way the budget is spent is an entire British decision. Therefore, Brexit could be an additional burden to the NHS crisis, but would not be a direct cause. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, the NHS budget will need to increase by 5.3% of the national income over the next fifty years, a.k.a £100 billion. This is due to an increasingly higher demand for medical services as well as to an ageing population but has nothing to do with Brexit in the first place.
3 — BREXIT COULD IMPACT THE NHS IN OTHER WAYS
The hardest knock-off effect of Brexit on the NHS might not even be the budget cuts. Other areas would suffer more and this would have a more direct impact on the medical care, especially a loss of staff.
For instance, the UK could lose access to the EU drug networks, as well as other medical databases, making it more difficult for the medical staff to operate.
Otherwise, British citizens travelling to the EU could face some higher medical fees on the continent, because the they would not have access to the European Health Insurance Card anymore.
4 — MEDICAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION COULD BE IMPACTED AFTER THE UK LEAVES THE EU
The UK would not benefit anymore from the research agreements and funds within the EU. The country would also loose access to the European reseachers and scientists who decide to work in the UK.
However, this could be prevented, since Theresa May has clearly stated in her Industrial Strategy Green Paper that she wants the UK to remain one of the leaders in term of research and innovation.
Therefore, the european agreements such as the Horizon 2020 would continue even after Brexit, and other new agreements between the Union and the UK could be negotiated.
