[lelanthran]

> It also doesn’t help that the private system is incentivised to undermine the ‘free’ system at every turn.

By competing on ... what? Can't be price (because "free" wins). The only other option is competing on quality.

Your statement doesn't sound correct.

[lostlogin]

Staff, including very senior staff often work in both systems. They then hire staff from the public system into the private one. This runs down the public system. There are accusations that they don't work fast or efficiently in the public system, leading to inefficiency. Senior staff with roles or even ownership of private facilities arrange contracts for outsourcing of work to private facilities. I have worked in both systems and currently work in the private setting.

[Timon3]

Competition isn't the only way for a private system to have influence on a non-private system. You understand that, right?

[lelanthran]

> Competition isn't the only way for a private system to have influence on a non-private system. You understand that, right?

I already asked what the ways are; why are you replying saying there are ways?

I literally asked "In what ways?" and you are replying "handwaving There Are Ways" ...

[Timon3]

No, you did not. You specified that you're only looking at competition, and then replied to yourself that there isn't anything else.

In case you really can't imagine alternatives: what if the private system spreads lies about the non-private system? What if they use their influence to change laws and regulations to prefer their system? What if they use their influence to make others with influence treat those using the non-private system worse?

None of these are competition in the sense you're asking for, and yet they are a natural consequence of private incentives.