North Wales MP accused of hanging ‘for sale’ sign on the NHS

Conservative MP for Aberconwy, Robin Millar, has come under fire for voting against a proposal to protect the NHS in any future foreign trade deal.

The motion, which was intended to protect the NHS and publicly funded health and care services in all parts of the UK from any control from outside of the country, was voted down by the government.

Opposition MPs had put forward the amendment to the government’s Trade Bill which, if approved, would have barred any deal which “undermines or restricts” a comprehensive public-funded health service, free at the point of delivery.

But the government stressed that UK law already offers such protections and any changes would have to come before parliament.

Conwy councillor and Plaid Cymru candidate for next year’s Senedd elections, Aaron Wynne, has slammed the local MP after accusing him of “actively undermining the NHS.”

Mr Millar was one of seven Conservative MPs in North Wales to vote against it.

Cllr Aaron Wynne said: “Last night the Tories voted against keeping the NHS off the table in any future UK trade deal.

“At such a time when the NHS needs certainty and stability – especially during this global pandemic – the government has decided to hang a ‘for sale’ sign on our NHS.

“The NHS should be a red-line in any post-Brexit trade deal. Our health service is the envy of the world, and we must all do what we can to protect it from overseas businesses who seek to turn a profit.

“Was the weekly clapping for the NHS all in vain?”

Mr Millar has been approached by North.Wales for comment.

The amendment was voted down by 340 votes to 251 in parliament last night.​