Rupert Murdoch and the jab - what ?!?

not if he is a USA resident- aka an illegal immigrant. He cannot be treated under the NHS unless he is a legal resident and tax payer.

Clearly wrong then.

Baggs

I suspect age and UK residence have more to do with his eligibility than anything else, biba.

Yes.

Baggs

Haters love to squawk.

It's amazing that so many posters appear to be defending Rupert Murdoch!

But, of course, we are not defending Murdoch but are defending the rights of older people in England to receive the vaccine as they are the most at risk and the wonderful NHS , free at the point of delivery to all whether rich or poor.

Of course, in my country, healthcare workers are receiving the vaccine first and I am happy about that.

It just grated me, and many many more- that someone like him should be in the first wave of priority for the vaccine- has someone who has done do much to damage this country and to avoid paying taxes here. (unless anyone can tell me that he does indeed pay tax here on his massive fortune).

It matters not a jot, biba, the NHS is free at the point of delivery and no-one is asked if they have evaded or avoided paying tax.

I agree, I think I would be the last person to defend Rupert Murdoch as an individual, IMO he ranks along with Philip Green and the late but not lamented Robert Maxwell.
However, I agree with Callistemon - if a person is eligible, they are eligible.

But everyone is eligible to have the vaccine because it's in everyone's interest that they do. Surely everyone can understand that can't they? Or is the real problem the fact that Murdoch is, according to the OP, a USA resident- aka an illegal immigrant? I hope not.

There are plenty of immigrants, illegal or not - who would be more 'deserving' recipients. Perhaps some of them do not pay taxes, because they have nothing.

Murdoch is a multi billionaire who choses not to pay tax, and had done since 1988 - so in my eyes- he should not benefit from the NHS and certainly not be a priority for the first batch.

How many over 85s have we got- and how many have had the jab so far?

biba70

How many over 85s have we got- and how many have had the jab so far?

Mini Trump said 350000 tonight.

MawBe

^we have such a limited number of jabs for 85 and over - 10s of 1000s will not be getting them^

Do you have evidence for this statement?

Evidence? Or just your opinion?

I have 3 friends locally who are 80 + and both have had their first vaccination. .

Chewbacca

But everyone is eligible to have the vaccine because it's in everyone's interest that they do. Surely everyone can understand that can't they? Or is the real problem the fact that Murdoch is, according to the OP, a USA resident- aka an illegal immigrant? I hope not.

Of course.

That is obvious to you and to me!

And if someone who is nearly 90 and high profile has the vaccine and encourages others to have it, then excellent!

I have 3 friends locally who are 80 + and both have had their first vaccination.

It may be location-dependent. I know a 93 year old and a 102 year old who have not yet heard, both in England.

The 102 year old said he would rather that younger people had the vaccination before him.

No fan of Murdoch but very much a fan of our country that doesn’t discriminate. He qualifies, so be it.
Good to see high profile names having the vaccine, hopefully it’ll encourage the doubters.

Who are you to say who is more deserving biba? Murdoch was asked if he would have the vaccine, as an older person, to promote how safe and easy it is. He did not volunteer. He was ASKED.

So far, you have made some pretty sweeping statements on this rather silly thread. You've said:

not if he is a USA resident- aka an illegal immigrant. He cannot be treated under the NHS unless he is a legal resident and tax payer.
Incorrect. American citizens are not, by default, "illegal immigrants". He can be treated by the NHS if he is eligible. And he clearly is.

Is he, or is he not- 'ordinarily resident and tax payer' in the UK? If not, NO he is NOT entitled to NHS vaccines
He is currently a resident of the UK. And he is entitled to NHS vaccines. Particularly when he is asked to have it.

we have such a limited number of jabs for 85 and over - 10s of 1000s will not be getting them
That's just not true! There are enough vaccines for everyone. No one will be prevented from having one. Even the "illegal immigrants" that seem to worry you so much.

God knows, I have no admiration whatsoever for Murdoch, but this thread seems to be more about your prejudice about a non Britsh citizen getting a vaccine and frankly, that's more distasteful than Murdoch and his dodgy tax history.

Pleased he's had the vaccine and spoken about it.

1.6 million are aged 85+

if he is legally resident in the UK, he should be paying tax on his massive fortune, don't you think?

Can you imagine what his taxes would have done for the NHS since 1988. It has nothing about him being a non UK citizen- but about him not paying taxes nor contributing to the NHS.

It is not 'prejudice' about his nationality- but about the fact hs papers have demonised immigrants for such a long time, again and again. Those immigrants who work hard, contribute, pay their taxes.

It is not 'prejudice' about his nationality- but about the fact hs papers have demonised immigrants for such a long time, again and again. Those immigrants who work hard, contribute, pay their tax

Ah, that's a whole different kettle of fish and nothing at all to do with Rupert Murdoch being ASKED BY THE NHS if he would agree to have the vaccine, to demonstrate to elderly people that it was a simple and safe thing to have. If it's actually his tax status that aggrieves you, then the title of your OP is misleading.

Yes it is.

Anyway, he is Australian.
Practically British

Ps If you are really concerned, biba, the UK has a reciprocal arrangement with Australia for emergency treatment.

I think this could be regarded as an emergency.

Apropos of nothing, he’s married to Jerry Hall, who’s about 25 years younger. I know, I know, that’s irrelevant......

It's as relevant as linking Murdoch being un "entitled" to the Covid vaccine because he's an illegal immigrant is LisaGran!

everyone can receive emergency treatment in the uk, status irrelevant. other further treatments are payable by overseas people and there are staff who pursue this.
for several years on attending hosp appts we have to declare that we have been resident in uk for last 2 years. i guess there are further questions if not.
most asylum applicants are given a special form that entitles them to all nhs services while their application is being decided.
if the nhs has called murdoch for the vaccine, then he is fully entitled to it. the more the better, asap.