Brexit: Insulin Supplies
Debate between Lord Roberts of Llandudno and Baroness Manzoor
Lord Roberts of Llandudno
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure a sufficient supply of insulin when the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
Baroness Manzoor (Con)
My Lords, we understand that insulin is vital to many people with diabetes in this country; indeed, I am a diabetic myself. Our contingency plans aim to ensure that the supply of insulin and other essential medicines is not disrupted in the event of a no-deal exit. In August last year, the Department of Health and Social Care wrote to all pharmaceutical companies that supply prescription-only and pharmacy medicines to the UK from or via the European Union or European Economic Area, asking them to ensure by 29 March a minimum of six weeks’ additional supply over and above existing business-as-usual buffer stops.
Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD)
Is the Minister aware that 99% of the insulin used in the UK is manufactured in Denmark and Germany, and that 421,000 type 1 diabetic users of insulin are feeling quite anxious about what will happen? Can she give us a guarantee—a copper-bottomed, simple pledge—that there will be enough insulin available if we Brexit? Can the Government also assure us that every single insulin user will have a legally binding contract from the Government pledging the availability of sufficient insulin for them in the future?
Baroness Manzoor
My Lords, of course it is important that we give assurances to all patients, irrespective of whether they are insulin users. The Government have given that assurance. We have made strong contingency plans to ensure that supplies come into the UK unhindered. The noble Lord is right: based on the regulators’ licensing data from early 2018, three-quarters of medicine is imported via the EU. I cannot give copper-bottomed guarantees; there are no such things as guarantees in life, but I can—
Health: Medicines Shortage
Debate between Lord Roberts of Llandudno and Baroness Manzoor
Baroness Manzoor
I thank my noble friend for that question. From a personal perspective, the answer must of course be yes, and the noble Lord will know that better than I. But I am afraid I do not have that answer, and so I cannot confirm it at this point. I will have to write to my noble friend.
Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD)
Can the Minister tell us exactly what new steps are being taken by the Government to face any shortage of drugs?
Baroness Manzoor
The Government are taking a number of steps. We have introduced the six-week stockpiling, which I have already mentioned. We are also looking at transportation issues and addressing whether there are shortages. We are working with supply chains and manufacturers to get an early indication of where these shortages may arise. I reassure the noble Lord that shortages of various drugs happen throughout the year. This is not a new phenomenon, and we are not clear that it is Brexit related.
UK Visas and Immigration: Customer Charges
Debate between Lord Roberts of Llandudno and Baroness Manzoor
Baroness Manzoor
That is an excellent idea, which I will take back to my department.
Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD)
If this is such a good service, why are 40% of Home Office decisions on immigration overturned in the higher courts?
Baroness Manzoor
The Question relates to charges and not appeals that individuals make, so I am afraid that I cannot answer the noble Lord’s question.