Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to ensure the continued supply of molybdenum-99 after UK leaves Euratom.

The Government is fully aware of the importance of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) supplies for the National Health Service. However, Euratom places no restrictions on the export of medical isotopes to countries outside the European Union. Therefore, the United Kingdom’s ability to import medical isotopes from Europe and the rest of the world, will not be affected by withdrawal from Euratom.

The Government recognises the concern that changes to customs and border processes as a result of withdrawal from the EU and the EU Customs Union could affect the timely supply of medical radioisotopes. It is in the interest of both the UK and EU to avoid disruption in the timely access of treatment to patients; and to ensure that cross-border trade with the EU is frictionless as possible. Continued access to these critical products remains a high priority topic for the Government in both our domestic preparations as well as in our negotiations on our future relationship with the EU.