Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential effect of the removal of pharmacists' right to conscientious objection on the diversity of people entering that profession.

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the independent regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises in Great Britain.

The GPhC has informed us that they are are currently analysing the responses to their recent consultation on religion, personal values and beliefs in delivering person-centred care. The GPhC will then make a decision on any changes to standards for pharmacy professionals.