Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has called for the protection of the health service following the passing of the Trade Bill by the British parliament at Westminster.

Speaking the West Tyrone MP said:

“It has been clear for some time that the British Government were going to use their Trade Bill to open up the health service and other vital public services to increasing privatisation.

“During the vote last night the Tories have very much ensured the NHS remains on the auction block for potential international corporations.

“It is disgraceful, particularly at this time when we are in the midst of a pandemic that the Tories are prioritising profit over public safety.

“The British Government are now set on a course were current levels of privatisation can only be increased, not reversed, locking in a downward spiral of under investment and falling levels of patient outcomes.

“It is clear that the British Government clapping for those in the health service was an empty gesture as they have now potentially placed the service in jeopardy.”