Streatham MP calls on Government to allow immigrants free access to NHS during coronavrus crisis

Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy is one of 60 cross-party MPs calling on the government to end its “hostile environment” policy towards immigrants who need NHS treatment during the coronavirus crisis.

They have written to health secretary Matt Hancock demanding the immediate suspension of charging migrants and all associated data-sharing and immigration checks in the NHS.

In the letter, the MPs raised concerns that migrants will not seek medical care they need for fear of immigration checks, and that the regulations place an unnecessary burden on NHS staff during the pandemic.

The letter follows news of the death of a Filipino man who displayed coronavirus symptoms, but did not seek any NHS help due to fear of being reported to immigration authorities, or being presented with an unaffordable bill for treatment. His wife, now symptomatic, is also too fearful to seek treatment.

The letter also follows calls from the British Medical Association, more than100 civil society organisations, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Human Rights Council for the UK Government to protect the health of migrants during the coronavirus crisis.

Ms Ribeiro-Addy said: “I am pleased to be standing with colleagues to protect the rights of migrants and ensure that everybody has access to the healthcare they need during the pandemic.

“The Government must listen to front line health workers and medical organisations calling for immediate action to stop people being deterred from healthcare.

“The NHS was founded on the idea that healthcare should be available to all who need it, regardless of where they’re from or their ability to pay.

“The Government’s hostile approach to migrants goes against these founding principles.

“The Government must listen to doctors and ensure that migrants access NHS care without fear.”