Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
Sophia Sleigh, JOE MURPHY

Brexit news latest: Michael Gove urged to 'level with public' on health risks of no-deal

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove speaking at the Conservative Party Conference (Picture: PA)

Michael Gove was today urged to “level with the public” about the risks to patients from a no-deal Brexit.

Sarah Wollaston, who chairs the Commons health committee, stressed an EU crash-out would cause “significant and potentially serious risks” to patients.

The ex-Tory now Lib Dem MP spoke out after Mr Gove gave an assurance last week that no deal would not harm health.

Amid reports of medicine shortages, Labour MP Tracy Brabin asked in the Commons: “Can the minister tell us now that no one in this country will suffer in their health because of a no-deal Brexit?” Mr Gove, in charge of no-deal preparations, replied: “Yes.”

http://players.brightcove.net/1348423965/default_default/index.html?videoId=6090516230001

Writing to the Standard, GP Ms Wollaston said: “We don’t need false reassurance, we need the Government to level with the public that no-deal Brexit would cause significant and potentially serious risks to people who depend on the NHS and social care.”

Government guidance warns patients could be “at risk” if other people stockpile medicines.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “We want to reassure patients we are doing everything necessary to make sure they can access the medicines they need after Brexit … whatever the circumstances.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.