The UK is grappling with its worst medicine shortage in four years, and the evidence points squarely at Brexit as a central cause. In 2024 alone, drug companies reported 1,938 supply disruptions to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) – a sharp rise from 1,634 in 2023.
The worst-hit medications include essential treatments for epilepsy and cystic fibrosis, leaving vulnerable patients at risk.
This disturbing trend has been highlighted by the Nuffield Trust health think tank, which obtained the data under freedom of information laws. Their analysis reveals a grim reality: while medicine shortages are a global issue, the UK’s situation is deteriorating faster than that of other European nations due to Brexit.
The root of the problem is evident.
The UK’s import growth of medicines has been the lowest among G7 countries since 2010, with the total value of imports falling by almost 20 per cent since 2015 – the year before the EU referendum.
The collapse of supply chains previously connected to the EU is undeniable. As HM Revenue and Customs data shows, this decline is sharply concentrated on imports from the EU, making Brexit-related trade barriers the most likely cause.
Furthermore, UK drug exports to the European Economic Area – the 27 EU states plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – have plummeted by a third since the 2016 Brexit vote.
The EU is responding to supply challenges by strengthening its internal systems, sharing supplies, and increasing domestic production.
Meanwhile, the UK finds itself increasingly isolated.
Pharmacies are on the frontline of this crisis. A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that all 500 of its respondents were unable to fulfil at least one prescription daily due to unavailable medications. This leaves patients distressed and frustrated, while pharmacists struggle to provide safe alternatives despite having suitable options on hand.
The government’s response has been to claim investment of up to £520 million to bolster domestic production of medicines and diagnostics. However, without seamless integration into European supply chains, these measures fall far short of what is needed.
The solution is simple: end the madness of Brexit.
Re-joining the EU would restore the vital medicine supply chains that have been so needlessly severed. Britain cannot afford to remain on this destructive path. It’s time to put patients first and repair the damage by rekindling cooperation with our closest and most important trading partner.
John is a journalist, film-maker and campaigner, with many years experience in the world of writing, broadcasting, magazine editing, photography and film making. He is running a campaign, Reasons2Rejoin, presenting the arguments for Britain to re-join the European Union.
