ALMOST £200,000 was spent in a year by Airedale Hospital on translators for patients unable to speak or understand English, it has been revealed.

The figure has been condemned by one MP, who said the money would be "better spent" on care.

Philip Davies – Shipley Tory MP, who obtained the data through a Freedom of Information request – said during Health Questions in Parliament that people living in the UK should speak the language.

"My concern is about all the money being spent on translators that could be spent on treatment, equipment and patient care," he added.

But health minister George Freeman and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust both say hospitals have a duty of care to all patients.

Mr Freeman added: "It is in none of our interests for citizens of the UK not to be able to integrate and get proper diagnosis from the system."

His comments are echoed by Keighley Central Labour councillor and former Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Abid Hussain.

"I fully support people learning English but there should be no barrier between those who can speak the language and those who can't," he said.

Keighley's MP, Kris Hopkins, said the need to use translation services should be a "rarity".

"I have always said that everyone who lives in this country or who moves here should be able to speak English," he added.

"However, hospitals have a clear duty of care to patients and being able to properly communicate with them is clearly vital if lives are not to be placed at risk."

Keighley West UKIP councillor, Brian Morris, said in an ideal situation everyone should be able to speak the language, but the issue was one to address in the future.

"We have to deal with the here and now," said Cllr Morris.

"Nearly £200,000 is a lot of money and it's unfortunate it is costing so much but, at the end of the day, if translators are required then the money has to be spent.

"We live in a multi-cultural society and this is one of the consequences.

"It would be wrong to 'punish' non-English-speaking people already living here.

"In terms of Europeans settling in Britain, now that we are leaving the EU new stipulations can be built in. Learning the language should be part of the criteria for people wishing to settle in this country."

An Airedale NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: "Under the NHS constitution, hospitals have a duty to provide proper diagnosis and treatment for everyone using their services.

"Interpretation services are provided for people requiring communication support in their appointments to help ensure they get the right care and treatment."