Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether he will publish updated modelling of the potential economic benefits to the UK pharmaceutical sector of mutual recognition of GMP inspections and batch testing with the EU.

The Government recognises the potential benefits of reducing unnecessary duplication in the regulation of medicines traded between the UK and the European Union. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement already provides for mutual recognition of inspections of manufacturing facilities for good manufacturing practice. The Government has no current plans to publish updated modelling of the potential economic benefits of extending mutual recognition to pharmaceutical batch testing. We continue to consider available evidence and engage with industry and European partners on reducing barriers to trade while maintaining patient safety.