Donald Trump says the NHS should “absolutely” be on the table in any trade deal between the UK and United States.
It came during an awkward moment at his joint press conference with Theresa May, where the outgoing Prime Minister appeared to have to explain the question to the US President.
President Trump said: “I think we’re going to have a great trade deal, yes.
“I think we’re going to have a great, comprehensive trade deal.”
A reporter asked: “With the NHS? Should the NHS be on the table, Sir?”
President Trump, it appeared, could not hear the question properly, so Theresa May awkwardly sidled over to his lectern and explained it to him.
She said: “It’s the NHS. The National Health Service. He says should the National Health Service be on the table.”
Trump said: “Look, I think everything with a trade deal is on the table. When you’re dealing with trade, everything is on the table.
“So NHS or anything else. There are a lot more than that. So everything will be on the table. Absolutely.”
Earlier, Jeremy Corbyn told a protest against the President’s visit that Labour would “fight with every last breath” to save the NHS from the clutches of US healthcare firms.
“We’re in the midst of a debate about the future of the relationship between Britain and Europe and the rest of the world.
“The basis of that debate should surely be that we encourage the protection of jobs and living standards and public services and reach out to people all across the world.
“But it should not be a debate about how we go forward with no deal at the same time as offering up our precious, wonderful National Health Service to private American companies to come in and take it over.
“We will not stand for that. We will fight with every last breath of our body to defend the principle of a healthcare system free at the point of need for everybody as a human right.”
During the press conference, Trump revealed Mr Corbyn had asked for a meeting him, but that the President had refused.
Mr Trump said the request was made but he declined as he viewed Mr Corbyn as a “somewhat of a negative force”.
He added: “He wanted to meet with me, and I told him no”
The Mirror understands the Labour leader did offer to meet President Trump
Mr Trump made his comments during the question and answer session following his press conference with Theresa May.
