The Scottish government, led by Nicola Sturgeon, said yesterday that European residents could continue to get free care

Free NHS treatment will continue for citizens of EU states living in Scotland in the event of a no-deal Brexit despite plans to start vetting and charging patients in England.

The Scottish government said yesterday that European residents could continue to use health services without evidence of their eligibility, even if Britain left the EU without a deal. Jeane Freeman, the Scottish health secretary, made the promise after it emerged that NHS trusts in England had been told to get ready to introduce charges immediately after “exit day” if there is no withdrawal agreement.

With only one million of the three million people in Britain from the EU registered for “settled status”, the move has caused concern that some patients who live in Britain will