Reaction: Boris Johnson U-turns on surcharge for NHS migrant workers

PM backs down over levy following pressure from both Keir Starmer and senior Tories

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PM backs down over levy following pressure from both Keir Starmer and senior Tories
(Image credit: Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images)

The government has axed the NHS surcharge for foreign health and care workers amid threats of a rebellion by Conservative MPs.

Boris Johnson has asked the Department for Health and the Home Office to exempt migrant staff from the levy - or as The Independent puts it, from paying “to access the very health service they are supporting” - “as soon as possible”, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

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