Business of the House

Rachel Blake Excerpts

Thursday 15th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to call out inappropriate or damaging practice, and I hope such companies have heard what he has to say. The Government are committed not just to bringing forward that legislation, but to continuing this process to support people who are caught out by this practice. Therefore, there will be debates on it from time to time, but I will also give some thought to whether we need a Government debate outside that process.

[Rachel Blake (Cities of London and Westminster) (Lab/Co-op)]

Bedrolite is a medication for those with a very rare form of epilepsy. There are, I understand, four private prescriptions and three NHS prescriptions in the country. It is made by a company based in the Netherlands called Bedrocan, which was in the news at the weekend because it is going bust. One of my constituents’ families is deeply affected by this and needs this medication, but their prescription is running out in December, and hon. Members can only imagine the deep concern that his family feel at the moment. I have written to the Secretary of State and to the Minister responsible, and I believe they could also be assisted by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through its relationship with the Netherlands. Can the Leader of the House support me in bringing together all parts of Government to address this urgent issue for anybody using this important medication?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

This is a really serious matter, and my hon. Friend is right to bring it to the Floor of the House, because it is of huge concern to the families affected. She said that she had written to the Secretary of State and the relevant Minister. I am not sure whether she has had a response, but I will make sure that she does get one, and then we will see whether there needs to be a wider conversation across Government, or if it is a matter that the Department of Health can get a grip on.