Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to require all companies in receipt of NHS contracts to be based in the UK.

The National Health Service relies on overseas suppliers for essential medicines and equipment to operate effectively and provide patients with access to key treatments. We are committed to securing the future of this supply chain by allowing manufacturers of essential supplies and equipment to access United Kingdom markets, in order to maintain vital supplies

However, we have made it clear that protecting public services, including the NHS, is of the utmost importance. The UK’s public health sector is protected by specific exceptions and reservations in all trade agreements.