Companies told to stockpile medicines as transition period ends.
The SNP has said the Tory government is “putting its Brexit obsession ahead of the health and livelihoods of millions of people across the UK” – as pharmaceutical companies are urged to stockpile drugs before the transition period ends on 31st December.
Dr Philippa Whitford MP said the Tory government was negotiating a bad deal that would leave Scotland poorer and worse off.
The SNP Shadow Health Secretary added the only way to protect Scotland’s interests and EU membership was to become an independent country.
Last month a report from experts at Warwick University found Scotland is already £3.94billion worse off as a result of Brexit – the equivalent of £736 poorer per person.
Separately, Scottish Government analysis has revealed that ending the transition period in 2020 could cut £3billion from the Scottish economy in just two years – on top of the impact of coronavirus.
Commenting, SNP Shadow Health Secretary Dr Philippa Whitford MP said:
“It is reckless beyond belief that the Tory government is putting its Brexit obsession ahead of the health and livelihoods of millions of people across the UK – by terminating the transition period in the middle of a global pandemic.
“We know the Tories are negotiating a bad deal that will leave the UK poorer and worse off.
“Analysis suggests Scotland has already lost almost £4billion as a result of Brexit and now pharmaceutical companies are being instructed to stockpile medicines in case of disruption – it is simply appalling.
“The deal the Tories are seeking is so damaging it will be barely better than a no deal Brexit – but people in Scotland won’t be fooled by Boris Johnson.
“We know a bad deal or a no deal is coming and it will hit the UK economy at the worst possible time.
“The Tory government has shown it isn’t remotely prepared for ending the transition period this year.
“UK medicine reserves have been used up during the pandemic and global shortages of supplies make rebuilding stockpiles at this stage very challenging.
“It is hard to see how the Tory government can completely avoid all drug shortages in the face of Brexit and Covid-19.
“Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process.
“It is clearer than ever that the only way to protect Scotland’s interests and our place at the heart of Europe is to become an independent country.”
