Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to Article 13 of EU Council Regulation No 302/93, whether the UK plans to seek formal cooperation with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction after the UK has left the EU.

As part of the negotiations, we are examining the European Union security measures we are currently part of, including alternative health security arrangements. We are seeking a strategic partnership to continue a close working relationship with our European partners. However, whilst negotiations are ongoing, we are not in a position to speculate on the United Kingdom’s future participation in individual organisations, which includes the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.

The UK is a world leader in tackling serious cross-border threats to health and has a well-developed health protection system, which includes the collection of data on drugs and drug usage, that is highly regarded by European partners. It is in everyone’s interests to continue to collaborate closely and to continue sharing of data and intelligence.