GB News panel clash over NHS access for asylum seekers
GB News turned heated as two stars clashed over whether migrants should have "fast-tracked" access to NHS services.
It has been revealed that NHS hospitals are giving priority care to asylum seekers and other vulnerable patients as the service struggles with skyrocketing waiting times.
Although up to six million Brits are currently waiting to receive care, with some having to wait 18 weeks to see a GP, a new scheme has been introduced for patients who need urgent appointments.
Known as 987 Inclusion Health, a special category of patients needing an "urgent" assessment can ask for an appointment at A&E, including undocumented migrants.
The new scheme was debated on GB News as guest Andy McDonald saw no issue with it.
READ MORE... GB News's Mark Dolan 'ends feud' with co-star after brutal sacking [LATEST]
"I think with asylum seekers, it's kind of fair enough because they're seeking asylum."
Presenter Ben Leo appeared shocked as he injected: "Hang on. You think it's fair enough?"
Andy agreed in the case of "genuine asylum seekers" but wouldn't accept it for illegal immigrants. Ben was taken aback by his co-star's response as he asked once again: "Hang on a minute. You think it's fair enough that asylum seekers, including small boat migrants, are fast-tracked above native Brits?"
Trade unionist Andy questioned what Ben meant by native Brits before the host hit back: "But asylum seekers aren't Brits are they?"
As Andy probed the presenter on the meaning of a "non-native Brit", a frustrated Ben fumed: "Why is this difficult for you to understand?"
Andy declared: "I don't understand what you are saying."
Don't miss...
GB News presenter Mark Dolan threatens to 'name and shame' after sacking [LATEST]
Dan Wootton aims dig at Mark Dolan after GB News axe just before Christmas [LATEST]
Eamonn Holmes brands Labour a 'mess' in furious GB News rant, 'No going back' [LATEST]
Asked to directly answer the original question, Andy said: "If you're a genuine asylum seeker then yeah. I don't think it's the biggest outrage in the world that you are [fast-tracked] because you've come from a genuinely vulnerable place."
Andy explained that asylum seekers are placed in special units that have dedicated doctors, meaning they are "obviously fast-tracked".
Still shocked by his co-star's comments, Ben asked: "Can I just be clear, Andy. Are you being serious now or are you joking around?"
He responded: "They're being seen sooner because of the nature of how they got to the country. It's not shocking, Ben."
The GB News star declared: "I think it's going to be shocking for a lot of people to know that you think it's acceptable."
