Oral Answers to Questions

Rachel Blake Excerpts

Tuesday 20th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Frith]

The first nation status that we have with US pharma is an advance on the usual relationships—it comes with huge benefits—but I should be happy to take away more specific concerns that the hon. Gentleman may have following a conversation after today.

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

I am grateful that the Department has moved swiftly to identify the issues with the supply of Bedrolite from Bedrocan, the company in real difficulty in the Netherlands. I understand that there is confidence in supplies until 2027, but my constituents say that that may depend on whether someone has an NHS or a private prescription. Would the Minister and his officials meet me to go through these processes, some of which, from my constituents’ experience, have been very bureaucratic?

[Mr Frith]

My hon. Friend makes a really important point. Ensuring sustainable supply for so sensitive a medicine to address epilepsy is uppermost in my mind. It is a live situation, I am working at pace with officials, and I will update her accordingly.