Blair and Hague Propose Sale of NHS Data to Fuel Biotech Revolution

The controversial proposal aims to boost public services and research, while sparking concerns over patient privacy.

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Conservative leader Lord Hague have jointly published a report advocating for the sale of anonymised NHS medical records to fuel a biotechnology 'industrial revolution'.
The report suggests that the sale of NHS data could boost public services, research, and the UK's position in new technologies shaping the future economy.
The proposal has sparked controversy, as the NHS has previously faced lawsuits over sharing data with tech firms.
The report also proposes the creation of an NHS Data Trust to oversee and distribute anonymised NHS data for profit, and a system where patients can control their personal data.
Blair and Hague argue that the data could be used to create personalised 'AI doctors' for every person in Britain, and to predict health issues via smart watches and mobile phones.