English language and translation policy in the NHS

Motion Text

That this House notes with concern the growing annual cost to the National Health Service of providing translation and interpretation services in foreign languages; further notes that such expenditure diverts vital funds away from patient care and frontline services; believes that every NHS employee must demonstrate a fluent level of spoken and written English proficiency; and therefore calls on the Government to bring forward legislation to abolish taxpayer-funded foreign language translation and interpretation services within the NHS and require all new and existing NHS staff to meet clear, fluent and enforceable English-language standards, ensuring that the health service once again operates efficiently in the national language of the United Kingdom.