Business of the House

Danny Beales Excerpts

Thursday 14th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Member raises some very concerning matters. If she gives me the details of this case, I will ensure that it is raised with the relevant Minister, and that she gets the answers that she seeks.

[Danny Beales (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Lab)]

I hope you will join me, Mr Speaker, in wishing Wealdstone football club good luck in their FA trophy final at Wembley on Sunday.

The early access programme gives the NHS access to life-changing and innovative drugs for free. I recently met Sarcoma UK, which told me of the difference that these drugs make to many patients. However, as a result of a recent decision by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to charge VAT on these drugs, which are provided for free, the BioIndustry Association has withdrawn from the programme, and other pharmaceutical companies are considering following BIA’s approach. This is very worrying to many patients who already have access to drugs, and to others who would like access to innovative drugs in future. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate about improving access to innovative new medicines on the NHS, and on the importance of removing barriers such as this one?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend raises an important point. We are committed to improving health outcomes across the UK, and to ensuring that the UK remains an outstanding place to start a company, scale and invest. We are actively discussing the matter that he raises with the industry, and I will make sure that he receives an update from the relevant Minister.