Lord Kinnock slammed as ‘hypocrite' over call to slap VAT on NHS patients who go private
The ex-Labour leader, 83, says the £2billion move would provide 'vital funding' as the NHS looks to reduce waiting lists.
He said: 'Ending the VAT exemption to generate much-needed revenue is a reasonable and widely supported step.'
But opponents pointed out that - when he had been party leader - he was exposed for himself having previously gone private.
Lord Kinnock went to a private Osteopathy practice for a recurring neck complaint following a rugby injury.
It led to a heated exchange with then Tory PM John Major came in 1990.
Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew last night 'This is hypocrisy at its best.
"This is same old Labour. Do as I say, not as I do.
"Neil Kinnock has used private healthcare before, yet he now wants to slap VAT on it.
'This will punish ordinary families simply trying to access timely care.
'Many turn to private healthcare out of frustration with long NHS waits.
"Some of them are hard-working, middle-class families already under financial pressure and this plan would punish them for seeking alternatives.
LIVE: Starmer vows to unleash biggest overhaul of NHS in 70 years
'Labour should be fixing the causes of the crisis, not taxing those trying to get the care they need.'
Mr Kinnock admitted that he attended the British School of Osteopathy in London triggered after a rugby incident some 25 years earlier.
The private practice at the time charged £14 per visit and provided same-day appointments compared to long waits on the NHS.
Kinnock attacked the then PM over the NHS in the Commons.
Mr Major hit back: 'Unlike some people on the Labour benches, I unfailingly use the National Health Service'.
The Sun reported at the time that Mr Kinnock pledged to scrap private hospitals if he ever wom power.
A source told The Sun at the time that he had osteopathy treatment 'four or five times' for a recurring pain in the neck.
Lord Kinnock last night declined to comment.
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