Inconsistent

On the ex-pats forum there are threads from people who, for whatever reason, are moving back to the UK and occasionally they ask about or encounter problems regarding social security payments or medical treatment.

Providing the return is genuine - as opposed to a brief visit to take advantage of the National Health Service, as some do - whenever someone has a problem accessing health services there is 100% indignation from every other poster. Not one person ever doubts the returnee should be free to use the NHS when they get back.

But for some strange reason when it comes to accessing social security payments it's different. People start questioning why the returnees should expect it having been out of the country. Suddenly all these barbs are thrown at the returnees about deserting the UK, not paying taxes and expecting to scrounge taxpayers' money etc.

What's even more odd is that the costs involved in accessing the NHS will very likely exceed the benefits costs.