As the post-Brexit transition period comes to an end on December 31, the UK is learning lessons from the Covid-19 crisis. The UK government has urged pharmaceutical companies to stockpile drugs for up to six weeks to prepare for the notorious "no deal".
Since the United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, after 47 years of union, the two sides have engaged in intense discussions to define the framework of their new relationship and forge a free trade agreement in the after the transition period, which ends on December 31. But these negotiations are not yet conclusive even if the two parties remain hopeful of reaching a compromise.
Stock tensions
Faced with the hypothesis of a "no deal" which could disrupt supply chains, the British government has asked companies to plan stocks of drugs to last a month and a half.
“We are aware that global supply chains are under significant pressure, exacerbated by recent events related to Covid-19. However, we are encouraging companies to make storage a key part of their preparations and ask this industry, if possible, to build up to six weeks of stock on UK soil, ”wrote the Department of Defense sales manager. Health in a letter to pharmaceutical companies posted Monday evening.
Protect the health system
They are also urged to consider alternative supply routes in the event of disruptions at major UK ports of entry such as Dover. The re-establishment of customs controls, in the absence of an agreement between the two parties, could cause a slowdown in flows.
Before the UK's exit from the EU, the government had built up stocks of drugs and medical equipment and "we plan to restore these levels to a target level of six weeks of total stock," it said in this letter.
The British medical association, which represents doctors, "has always warned that a no-deal Brexit could have a potentially catastrophic impact on the NHS (public health service) and therefore on the health of the nation", responded the doctor David Wrigley, vice-president of the association. "Now, more than ever, it is absolutely crucial that the government establish a relationship that protects the future health of this country."
World
Brexit: Merkel asks the EU to prepare for a "no deal" with the United Kingdom
World
Food shortages, return to roaming, delays at the border… The consequences of a no-deal Brexit are becoming clearer
- World
- Video
- United Kingdom
- Brexit
- Drug