British people will be allowed seek medical treatment in another EU country and bill the NHS if waiting lists are too long.

The decision, endorsed by the secretary of state for work and pensions, Andrew Smith, is part of a wider overhaul of the EU's 30-year-old social security regulations.

"The new rules will come into force in 2004-05 and will have to be approved by the European parliament.

Today's Independent quotes one European official saying: "It is the first time that the EU is deciding about patients' rights.

"We are entering the heart of national sovereignty and it is an important step as it establishes citizens' rights at EU level."