Artful Dodger: then you've missed several events!! Like USA citizens going into Canada with dubious papers to get free health care. Those who took part in the 9/11 rescue having to go to Cuba to get treatment as they were refused it by the healthcare companies. Also an African free medical treatment team going to the USA to treat those who are in need.

Btw.. it seems many republicans in gov like the idea, just the nuts and bolts need sorting. If it's an emrgency we have 24/7 doctors.. A&E just a 999 away. Blood tests and the like we can get done straight away as well. How many MP's and from what party(s)? Many here have strange ideas that are not practical!! Or common sense led. The recent expenses affair is still not sorted, as MP's, etc are still seemingly trying to be above the common law in regards to fraud and criminal prosecution. Yet from New Jersey in your country we learn that is not a good idea.

And people can always go private as it is an option.