Pharmacy First

Debate between Andrea Leadsom and Sarah Jones

Wednesday 31st January 2024 Commons Chamber

[Dame Andrea Leadsom]

The Government currently contribute £2.6 billion to community pharmacy, quite apart from the £645 million addition for Pharmacy First. We are about to start negotiations for the 2024-25 period.

[Sarah Jones (Croydon Central) (Lab)]

The three pharmacies in Shirley, in my constituency, have been there for decades. They are very well known and very trusted, but they are all on the edge of having to close. To stay open, one pharmacist is using their own savings and not paying themselves a wage. I welcome your announcement, but would you read a letter from them—

--- Later in debate ---

[Sarah Jones]

Forgive me, Madam Deputy Speaker. That was an error.

Would the Minister read that letter, consider these issues and perhaps meet us to talk about it? They are good people, and we want to keep their pharmacies open.

[Dame Andrea Leadsom]

I am of course happy to read the letter, but I would say that Pharmacy First offers a significant new boost to community pharmacies.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrea Leadsom and Sarah Jones

Tuesday 21st January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Jones (Croydon Central) (Lab)]

Westfield is set to open a fabulous new shopping centre in Croydon, but the French owner of Westfield, Unibail-Rodamco, is worried about business rates, the state of retail and the impact of Brexit. Will the Secretary of State please meet representatives of Westfield and Unibail-Rodamco to talk about some of those concerns?

[Andrea Leadsom]

Yes, I am happy to do so.