I just can't understand the "we can't afford it argument" ... In a rich country such as the UK, publicly funded health care should be a right, not a privelege. That's how we feel over here ... sure, we pay a few cents more tax on a litre of gas, on a pack of smokes, on a bottle of booze; but what the hell, it's sure worth it when you get sick.
The reason that the tories can't win in Ontario, is that they screwed around with health care last time they were in power. With the general election only days away the tories are tied with the Liberal party in the polls. But they are facing a two term party that is losing popularity, and a premier that few like ... they should have won this election in a romp. But no, it looks like a minority government coming up
And it's about health care ... the Liberals are not slow to remind voters that the tories closed hospitals, cut back on funding for nursing and medical schools ... in gerneral, really screwed things up. And much as they dislike the Liberals, they don't trust the tories. Looks like the NDP (Labour) could hold the balance of power.
From what I read, I sense that the UK tories are facing a similar problem: they no doubt would dearly love to Americanize British medical care; but they daren't ... at least they daren't go too far too fast.