Tommy G

Somebody is shorting the stock!

I thought Kerrygold had gone up

You can say the same about 90% of politicians I'm afraid.

Has Trump touched down yet?

I'd hope not!

Go on I work for a PE firm.

Yes they can appeal

He hasn't got a track record of rowing back on manifesto's as he himself or the party have never been in power! Keir Starmer has a track record on this in only 12 months, and the Tories before that. So neither of the most recent parties in power have a track record, so what you are saying is baseless tbh. I don't fancy reform at all at the next GE, I'm just pointing out you are comparing apples and pears here.

What field of work are you in?

They were one of the lucky ones. Glad they are getting the treatment they need.

He doesn't understand the points being made despite 99% of everyone else understanding it.

Some good intelligent debate today (mostly)

Other stuff being EEE?

Correct but the funding towards GP salaries, premises and associated running costs will come from the state. Each way you look at it is I’m suggesting a nominal fee to see your GP exempting certain groups of people having to pay for it to raise £bn’s.

@JonnyBoy

You could argue that someone who is paying tax at 40% is more than contributing enough, and throwing more money at the NHS doesn't fix it, we've seen evidence of this which is why Labour are attempting reform. Secondly, I think there is an argument that paying will deter people from using it as much as therefore reduce the burden and cost - appreciate your A&E point and it's a valid one. I think taxing people up the wazoo and throwing that extra cash at the NHS won't solve anything.

Really depends where you set the threshold. Any tax rises on income should be brought in way about PAYE earners over £250K or more - and if you earn more than that its likely you won't be earning it through PAYE anyway. Basic, higher rate and additional rate earners are squeezed enough now, I'm talking about the average man on the street £20-£100K earnings here forking out £20 for a Drs appt. I think a policy like this would be more popular than raising income through income tax, you mention cost of living and how people are struggling, changing tax bands will make this problem worse.

I think its a fair way to do it rather than lumping another 1 or 2% on tax bands.

One more try then I'm done. 1) On your first point, this isn't related to private health care - this is a flat one off contribution to see your GP to raise revenue for the NHS. Simple 2) ''It will cost far more than that'' I'm not suggesting seeing a Dr will cost the NHS £20, are you talking about the general cost here or saying the policy idea I've just come up with will be more than £20 - because I am SUGGESTING it should be of that value. 3) The poorest wont be hit hardest as I've suggested people of means tested benefits, welfare, DLA, PIP etc are exempt - if you read what I said. End.

Jesus I give up

Quick maths suggest there was 380 million GP appointments last year, charging for every single one at £20 a pop would raise almost £8bn for the NHS. Before anyone jumps on my back and gouges my eye balls from their sockets, lets assume only 50% are chargeable, so that would raise £4bn approx.

There's clearly going to be quite a few people out of scope here - I'm not drafting policy, merely suggesting a way the better off in society can a) pay towards the NHS and b) take the burden off GPs - as it will ultimately make people think twice about seeing one.

Seriously, you think I think it costs £20? I am not talking about the actual cost here I'm talking about a flat contribution to see a GP. At the moment it is free, and I'm suggesting a flat fee of £20 or £30 should be paid. Why is that difficult to understand? Can someone else explain this to him @Greg2607

Agree with part of this Greg but if you are paying £25K to send your kind to a private school that adds on £5k of VAT, not £20 for a GP appointment. The scale of uproar would be a lot less. I am actually suggesting a policy this is a bit left here and you can see the reaction....