The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 plus 5 letter word WELFARE STATE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
E
L
F
A
R
E
S
T
A
T
E
More clues leading to the result WELFARE STATE
- Free latte was remarkably a universal provision
- Hurried up a stay in bed, worried for the NHS etc
- Retiring age soared, say, in regime such as ours?
- Changing seawater left government looking after everyone
- Little fellow in conflict with car — this will provide comprehensive support
- Attlee was involved with reform, establishing this
- Unfortunately we fear latest governmental social benefit system
- System with, at least, free treatment
- Feel war should be replaced, say, in this social system
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "the NHS etc" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case the nhs etc = welfare state.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.