Reform UK MP says NHS patients ‘should speak English’ in row over taxpayer-funded translators

Reform UK MP says NHS patients 'should speak English' in row over taxpayer-funded translatorsBBC

Transcript

00:00So the first thing is that when it comes to things like translations, that's how patients

00:04can access healthcare.

00:05If they can't speak English, Ash, they shouldn't.

00:08Wait, did I interrupt you?

00:09Rupert, did I interrupt you?

00:10No, I didn't.

00:11I'm sorry, we don't need translations.

00:12No, no, no.

00:13Wait, wait, wait.

00:14Let me finish, all right?

00:15The NHS exists to provide the best possible care to patients.

00:19Now some of those patients will feel more comfortable speaking in their native language.

00:23I don't care.

00:24I have no interest in that.

00:25Well, fine.

00:26They should speak English.

00:27They live in England.

00:28They should speak English.

00:30But we have an oath to give whatever patient comes to their door the best possible quality

00:33of care.

00:34That is going to involve some translation services.

00:36When it comes to things like DEI, I'm sorry, you are picking the things which play to your

00:39base.

00:40I'm sorry.

00:41That's your job as a politician.

00:42It's a complete waste of money.

00:43That is your job as a politician.

00:44It is not.

00:45And you said that.

00:46That is not where the problem is.

00:47The problem is that we've had 14 years of austerity.

00:50The country has become less healthy, measurably less healthy.

00:54It's become poorer.

00:55The Michael Marmot report laid this out.

00:57The most deprived regions are also the most unhealthy.

00:59They are the most impacted by austerity.

01:01Well, you're certainly right on that.

01:02That is an expensive problem to fit.

01:03You're certainly right on that.

01:04All right.

01:05Well, let's have a look.

01:06We spend.