[Deckard]

I don't think any system is perfect, but on the whole I've been very happy with the NHS. Perhaps that's just a case of 'better the devil you know'. Or perhaps I'm justified in happening to consider healthcare to be one area in which society benefits from a more socialist approach.

One thing's for sure: supporting universal healthcare doesn't mean we oppose free market principles in other areas (or even in general). Far from it. I don't think capitalism is evil. And the last time I checked, Britain's clinics and hospitals weren't in the grip of drab communist uniformity.

Some years ago, when I was able to afford private healthcare, I never once resented paying my National Insurance so that those on lower incomes could take advantage of free health care. I just felt fortunate that I was in a position to go private if I wanted.