ABPI response to Government 'no deal' guidance

A written Ministerial Statement from the Cabinet Office has been published this afternoon, along with a letter from DHSC Chief Commercial Officer Steve Oldfield,  giving an update on the Government’s 'no deal' planning and guidance.  

In response, Mike Thompson, Chief Executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) – the trade group representing the branded pharmaceutical industry in the UK – said:

“Pharmaceutical companies have been doing everything in their power to prepare for the UK’s exit from the EU. Our members have been increasing stocks, duplicating testing and planning for alternative routes where possible. 

“But some things are outside of their control. Additional Government secured freight capacity was key to company planning for a ‘no deal’ in March and this must be available to companies again as they prepare for the end of October. Our members will be pleased that the Government are taking steps to put this capacity in place again and await further information about how this will work in practice.

“However, it is extremely challenging for pharmaceutical companies to be continually preparing for a ‘no-deal’ Brexit. Leaving the EU with a deal in place remains the best way to minimise any potential disruption to medicines supplies.”