Shortage of medicine a very real concern

Racism blight on everyone

THERE are many other reasons why we cannot cope with a no deal Brexit, particularly at this time, but it is the fear of medicine shortages that is keeping me awake at night.

Yesterday it was reported that previous no deal Brexit medicine stockpiles have all gone. It was also reported that it would be unwise for the UK to attempt to rebuild the stocks in the midst of a global pandemic as this could lead to shortages in other countries.

Insulin-dependent diabetics can live for only about 48 hours without their insulin. Around half a million or more people in the UK use insulin, including people close to me. This is a drug which cannot be stored for long and we are reliant on a smooth supply from the EU for this and other equally vital medicines. A no deal Brexit puts this supply chain at severe risk.

After the UK’s disastrous handling of the Covid virus, can we be sure thousands more will not die from a no deal Brexit? Trust in the government’s organisational abilities is shattered and reassurances will not be believed.

Will we all be so inured to unnecessary deaths by December 31 that thousands more from a no deal Brexit will be unremarkable? That is now my real fear.

I urge everyone who cares about the health and safety of their loved ones and their fellow citizens to write to the Prime Minister and to your MP to ask for an extension to the transition period. We need the deal we were all promised and there is no shame in asking for an extension to sort it out and safeguard our food and medicine supplies.

The deadline for asking for an extension is only three weeks away. There are several websites such as ‘writetothem.com’ which make it quick and easy to send an email to your MP.

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