Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the benefits to the UK of complying with EU regulation for medicines after the UK has left the EU.

The United Kingdom is fully committed to continuing the close working relationship with our European partners, and as part of the negotiations the Government will discuss with the European Union and Member States how best to continue cooperation in the field of medicines regulation (including with the European Medicines Agency).

Our aim is to ensure that patients in the UK and across the EU continue to be able to access the best and most innovative medicines, and be assured that their safety is protected through the strongest regulatory framework and sharing of data. Whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations, we are clear that our regulatory system that protects the best interests of patients and supports the UK life science industry to go from strength to strength.

We are in regular contact with the pharmaceutical industry through the Ministerial and industry co-chaired UK-European Union Life Sciences Steering Group. Outside of this group we have consistent contact with industry and research charities.

As a member of the Cabinet, the Secretary of State has regular discussions with all Cabinet colleagues, including on Brexit.