Industry reacts to Brexit progression announcement

As Brexit moves to the next phase, thanks to ‘sufficient progress’ being made in phase one of the negotiations as announced by the European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and prime minister Theresa May, some industry bodies welcome the news.

“We welcome today’s agreement. It is now crucial that the UK and EU agree a transition period to ensure that the supply of medicines to patients in the UK and across Europe is not affected. Public health and health security should be the first priority for the second phase of talks and we stand ready as a unified life science sector to provide expert input on such a process,” said the UK BioIndustry Association’s (BIA’s) CEO, Steve Bates. “On the detail, greater certainty in key areas proposed is welcome. I hope the citizens’ rights proposals enable people to better plan their life science careers with their families. My initial reading of the ‘goods on the market’ proposals is that it should enable medicinal products that have been tested and released prior to the Brexit date (which may well now be later than March 2019) to be freely available in the EU, even if that testing and release is carried out in the UK and the goods are shipped to other EU countries after the UK withdraws. This is important detail for global companies deciding how, and crucially when, to progress existing Brexit contingency plans.”

“The breakthrough on 'sufficient progress' reached between the UK and the EU this morning is a significant step forwards and one we warmly welcome,” reported the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. “The progress made on citizens’ rights is particularly welcome news for pharmaceutical companies and our employees. To provide certainty to everyone, we hope this is swiftly agreed.

“As we now focus on phase two of the negotiations, it is now crucial that the regulation and supply of medicines for UK and EU patients is prioritised. A cooperation agreement between the UK and the EU on medicines is the best way to ensure that there is no disruption to 500 m patients receiving the medicines that they need.

“This breakthrough, alongside a single-step fixed-term transition period that allows companies to make any necessary changes to the supply chain, will be critical. Protecting public health in the UK and Europe must be a priority."