FIONA BACKS HEALTHCARE FOR BRITS ABROAD

12.00.00am GMT Wed 14th Nov 2007

Fiona Hall has backed a declaration calling on all Member States to comply fully with their responsibilities and provide reciprocal healthcare to all other EU citizens resident in their country. The declaration has been drawn up by fellow Lib Dem MEP Bill Newton-Dunn.

There have been concerns in particular in recent months over British ex-pats living in France who are being denied healthcare. The group of people notably affected are those under retirement age but not in employment - such as people who have take early retirement and moved to France.

Commenting after signing the declaration, Fiona Hall said:

"A number of people have already been in touch with me because they have fallen foul of the new French regulations.

"The European Union guarantees free movement of people, making it easier to work, live, or simply visit other European nations than ever before. It is therefore vital that healthcare is provided to all citizens of all EU nations, no matter where it is required within the EU.

"Recent changes to French legislation have compromised the fundamental principle of reciprocity. That is why we are asking the Commission to review the manner in which Member States are implementing this principle."