Labour has issued a fresh warning that the future of the NHS could be put at risk if Reform UK were to enter government, arguing that patients could face severe consequences for healthcare access during the winter months.
The party has repeatedly raised concerns about Reform leader Nigel Farage’s long-standing views on how the NHS should be funded, suggesting they represent a break from the principle of healthcare free at the point of use.
Farage has previously questioned the current model of NHS funding. In May 2025, the Reform UK leader said, “I do not want it funded through general taxation.” Earlier this year, when asked about the possibility of moving towards an insurance-based system similar to that in the United States, he said he was “open to anything.”
Nigel Farage’s Record on NHS Funding Scrutinised
Labour has pointed to a series of past comments made by Farage to underline its concerns. In January, he again raised the idea of alternative funding models, while last year the Clacton MP said it was time for a “fundamental rethink” of how the NHS is paid for.
Farage’s scepticism about state-funded healthcare is not new. In 2014, when he was part of Ukip, he also called for a move away from a system funded entirely by the state.
Labour argues that such proposals could expose patients to costs similar to those seen in the US healthcare system. In 2024, the average cost of a hospital stay for winter flu in the US was almost £11,000. Research published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners in early 2024 suggested treatment for frostbite could cost close to £33,000.
A 2025 study into US healthcare costs found that armed forces veterans hospitalised with norovirus faced bills exceeding £10,000, while a 2019 study indicated that treatment for a hip fracture could cost just under £40,000.
Labour and Reform Clash Over NHS Future
Labour health minister Stephen Kinnock said the figures showed what could lie ahead under a Reform-led government. He said, “This is the Christmas yet to come if Nigel Farage and Reform have their way.
“For years, Farage has been clear he doesn’t believe in an NHS funded out of general taxation, and that he thinks Britons should be charged to use the health service. Farage cannot be trusted with our NHS.
“Labour is fixing our NHS and bringing health services closer to home. We’ve delivered over 5 million extra NHS appointments, and waiting lists are coming down. With Labour, our NHS will always be free at the point of use.”
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Reform UK has strongly rejected Labour’s claims. A party spokesperson said, “Reform UK will never privatise the NHS.
“Under a Reform UK government, our NHS will always stay free at the point of use.
“These are desperate lies from a Labour government failing in office.”
This latest exchange follows previous attacks by Labour on Reform’s healthcare stance. In September, health secretary Wes Streeting accused Farage of planning to deport NHS staff as part of an immigration crackdown.
“Earlier in July, Welsh secretary Jo Stevens claimed Reform wanted to “sell the NHS to the highest bidder.”
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