Pharmacy First

Debate between Andrea Leadsom and Richard Drax

Wednesday 31st January 2024 Commons Chamber

[Dame Andrea Leadsom]

As I have already mentioned, there are many community pharmacies starting up all the time, as well as closing down. The hon. Lady will appreciate that the Pharmacy First initiative is a real boost to community pharmacies. I am happy to discuss it with her, but I would imagine that there will be the capability to open new community pharmacies in her area.

[Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con)]

I congratulate my right hon. Friend and her Front-Bench colleagues on rolling out this initiative. The Isle of Portland had two pharmacies, both run by Boots, but one is now shut. Can I meet my right hon. Friend and Front-Bench colleagues to discuss how we can ensure that deprived areas such as Portland retain the pharmacies that they desperately need?

[Dame Andrea Leadsom]

I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend.