Compassionate Use Medicine Schemes: VAT
Debate between Ashley Fox and Karin Smyth
Thursday 11th June 2026
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(1 month, 2 weeks ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Karin Smyth
It is important for hon. Members to recognise the deep concern caused to patients with unmet clinical need, who rely on the glimmer of hope provided by these medicines, when they hear these sorts of exchanges. These are long-standing rules and we continue to engage on the issue.
Sir Ashley Fox (Bridgwater) (Con)
It is utterly shameful that this Government are presiding over the imposition of VAT on drugs donated for compassionate use. The Minister referred to the previous Government. VAT was not put on those drugs under the previous Government, but it is being put on them under this Government. Was it the Health Secretary who signed this off when he was in the Treasury?
Karin Smyth
The hon. Gentleman’s last comment reveals exactly why he is raising this issue.