THE Scottish Government has signalled that it is considering stockpiling medicines in the event of Britain crashing out of the European Union without a deal.
The UK Government has already made clear that it is making contingency plans to maintain supplies of food and medicine in the event of a no-deal, stressing how the public should be comforted and reassured that it is doing so.
At the weekend, Sir Michael Rawlins, the UK's medicines regulator, warned that failing to get a Brexit agreement with Brussels could spark drugs shortages, including insulin, which millions of people, including Theresa May, need in order to maintain their health. Sir Michael pointed out how, in terms of insulin: "We import every drop of it."
- Theresa May: public should be reassured and comforted by Government stockpiling in case of no-deal Brexit
It is believed that insulin is among the medicines the UK Government is now considering stockpiling.
However, in Scotland, health care is devolved and Michael Russell, the Scottish Government’s Brexit Secretary, made clear: “We do not know what plans or assumptions the UK Government are making but we will do everything we need to do and take whatever practical action is required should we have to.”
His remarks came as reports claimed the armed forces were on standby to help distribute medicines, food and fuel to vulnerable communities if Britain were to crash out of the EU without a deal.
- Theresa May: public should be reassured and comforted by Government stockpiling in case of no-deal Brexit
The pro-EU Labour peer Lord Adonis said: "Having our nation's defenders on stand-by for a no-deal Brexit just shows the radical lengths this Government will go to, to force through its extreme agenda."
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