Jim Murphy

UK - France Summit

On Thursday I met my friend Jean-Pierre Jouyet, the French Minister for Europe, as part of the UK-France Summit at the Emirates stadium. The fact that there were another dozen British and French Ministers working together on issues from the environment to criminal justice [PDF] shows just how close the relationship is. The fact is that so much of what matters to people in UK matters just as much to people in France too. We can't hope to tackle issues climate change and other challenges without working with other countries. You can read the Joint UK-France Summit Declaration here.

Jean-Pierre and I discussed a range of issues. One thing I am really looking forward to is making sure that the opportunities for EU schemes such as those which involve access to education in other countries are accessible to all -not just a few.

After the meeting Jean-Pierre and I had a chance to meet Arsene Wenger on the pitch. He told me to get the ligament I damaged playing in football in Bosnia seen to! Thanks to Arsenalpics for sending me the photo.

Posted at 12:05 31 March 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[2]

French Health Care

Just a quick posting on healthcare for expats in France (for what I hope might be the last time on this issue!) I appreciate that many of the comments posted have recognised that it is sometimes more effective for the UK Government to try to discreetly persuade other Governments. Of course others have a different view - it’s a matter of judgement. I know that there is still some clarification needed about cover for a small number of people, and we are encouraging the French authorities to make sure the new rules are understood and implemented throughout France. But I would like to thank everyone at the British Embassy in Paris for all their persistence and hard work, and to FHI as well. Also my personal thanks to French Europe Minister Jean-Pierre Jouyet. With best wishes to all UK citizens in France.

Posted at 08:54 01 February 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[47]

Healthcare in France - E106 holders

Thank you to everyone who has commented about the issue of expired E106 forms. I can assure you that we are pursuing this point with the French Health Ministry, and requested before Christmas a fuller explanation of the arrangements for E106 holders. Once again we have impressed on the Health Ministry the urgency of the situation.

Our officials remain in close contact with the French authorities, who have promised more details in the next week. We have been assured that people whose E106 forms have expired will continue to have the safeguard of essential immediate healthcare provision, either through the Couverture Maladie Universelle or the Aide Médicale d'Etat.

The extra information from the French Health Ministry on the new arrangements for E106 holders should help resolve issues with local health agencies in France, whom I understand are not consistently applying the recent instructions received from the Health Ministry. The British Embassy in Paris will publish any further information we receive on its website as soon as it becomes available.

Posted at 15:51 11 January 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[64]