Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2018 to Question 136501, how the Government plans for the UK to participate in the European Medicines Agency during the transition period after the UK leaves the EU.

From 30 March 2019, the United Kingdom will no longer be a Member of the European Union. However, under the terms of the implementation period agreement regulatory standards and market access for all medicines will continue on current terms.

Both sides agree that for the implementation period to function effectively, the UK will need to remain in step with the EU. In this context, the Withdrawal Agreement will be underpinned by a duty of good faith, with a Joint Committee in place enabling either side to raise issues or concerns. These arrangements will help ensure that the implementation period works properly for both sides.

Common rules will remain in place and the UK may continue to participate in EU agencies and bodies where the presence of the United Kingdom is necessary and is in the interests of the EU, or where the discussion concerns acts addressed to the UK and its citizens. The exact nature of this participation will be a matter for further discussion.

Regarding the future relationship, the Prime Minister's Mansion House speech outlined that we will also explore the terms on which the UK could remain part of the European Medicines Agency. While it would not be appropriate to pre-judge the outcome of the negotiations, we will discuss with the EU and Member States how best to continue cooperation in medicines regulation.