Oral Answers to Questions

Emma Reynolds Excerpts

Tuesday 27th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op)]

15. What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on the ability of the NHS to access medicines and medical equipment.

[Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab)]

20. What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on the ability of the NHS to access medicines and medical equipment.

[The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Matt Hancock)]

The deal that the Prime Minister struck to leave the EU will ensure access to medicines and medical equipment, so it is another good reason to vote for the deal.

--- Later in debate ---

[Emma Reynolds]

We are currently an influential member of the European Medicines Agency, which gives patients access to new medicines six months sooner than non-members. Given that the political declaration reduces us to exploring the possibility of co-operation with the EMA, will the Secretary of State admit that there are no guarantees for patients and that it is very likely that they will have to wait longer?

[Matt Hancock]

No, because in the event, under any circumstances, we will make sure that there are no further burdens on ensuring that medicines can get licensed here so that patients can use them, but it is another reason why the hon. Lady should vote for the deal.