Frank Avenell wrongly thinks he is due an apology. He has written letters, he reminds us, blaming immigrants for burdening the health service.

He now writes to repeat the argument, and somehow that entitles him to an apology.

But he was wrong before and he still is.

We are all due an apology from Frank for his repeated peddling of tabloid myths.

On one side of the equation the NHS would collapse without immigration.

On the other side the right wing journal The Economist can quote a study by researchers at University College London: “The average recent migrant to Britain from within the EU is in his twenties and costs the National Health Service (NHS) less than the average native.”

In Spain ageing Britains access the Spanish health service in high numbers. Interpreters help.

The Spanish state has criticised the British foreign office for publicising treatments available in Spain.

French governments too have attempted to play the foreigner blame game by trying to limit access to health services by British expats.

Towards the end of last year the mainstream medical journal The Lancet published research showing that Cameron’s comments about health tourism were false.

They reported “more people leave the UK than visit for medical treatment”.

Frank Avenell should apologise for supporting an alibi for government policies which have butchered the NHS in order to further privatisation. Professor Alison Pollock has provided detailed explanation of how PFI, privatisation and bed closures are crippling the health service.

Peter Smith Woodside Avenue, Swindon