Iain Duncan Smith and foreign Big Issue sellers...

[Robches]

David:

It is your charming, witty, and above all friendly posts which make you such a well liked and useful member of this forum. You truly are the well loved Roma Big Issue seller of BGAFD.

[Robches]

David:

So sorry to disturb you, but the government website clearly states that the S1 will no loner be valid to provide health cover for British retirees to EEA states. Thus, British people retiring to Spain will have to fund their own health insurance, placing no demands at all on the Spanish system. Still, I expect all the children these retired folk have will more than make up for that with the strain they place on the schools. Yes, that must be it. Sorry to have been a nuisance. I don't know what us Little Englanders would do without your guidance to put us right.

[David Johnson]

Which link, which text

[Robches]

The one you just gave above Dear Leader:

[David Johnson]

From May 21st on the above site which mirrors the government website I provided to you

"But if you live in Spain or are planning to move there, worry not. Those of retirement age will be eligible for a similar reciprocal health agreement via the normal S1 form, which is to remain unchanged. Meanwhile, those who work in Spain and therefore pay into the social security system are eligible for normal Spanish state healthcare."

In caps yet again for the err, challenged amongst us

THE RESTRICTION ONLY INVOLVES RESIDUAL S1 FORMS I.E. PEOPLE WHO ARE RETIRING EARLY.

Jeez. Did you have problems at school?

[David Johnson]

"So sorry to disturb you, but the government website clearly states that the S1 will no loner be valid to provide health cover for British retirees to EEA states."

So sorry to put you right yet a fucking gain but the clue is in the title RESIDUAL and EARLY

So your statement that S1 will no longer be valid is the misinformed bullshit which you are well known for.

It does not apply to those of retirement age which is what I have said all along and for those who are of retirement age and who are about to retire to Spain. They will still use an S1.

I think I will stop now in case I start taking you seriously.

[Robches]

David:

As ever, your compassion and wit shines through. Obviously, there are no British retirees who are under 65 going to live in Spain are there? I do apologise for taking up your valuable time.

[David Johnson]

I accept your kind apology for making incorrect, sweeping statements about entitlement when your comments as I stated throughout only referred to residual S1s.

I had to repeat myself about 5 times but you got there in the end.

[Robches]

David:

You are more than welcome. However, you will note in the article I linked to that it is thought the S1 ban will be extended to over 65s in the future. That's the thing about welfare states: they don't work if there is no money. And one way of running out of money is for the Big Issue to act as a gateway for Roma immigrants who live in absolute squalor in their own countries to enjoy the benefits of our welfare state.

Well, it was nice when it lasted, but when you have no control over who in the EU comes to your country, you might find it does not last as long as you had hoped.

[David Johnson]

Given the strength of the anti-EU vote not only in Britain but across many EU countries, I think the direction of travel could be in the way you describe i.e. with cutbacks in various countries healthcare systems which limit access to other countries' nationals.