Executive Summary
In the complex global landscape following the UK’s exit from the EU, collective action on health remains crucial. The NHS Confederation and Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations recommend a standalone Health Protection Agreement between the UK and EU to enhance health cooperation.
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU have highlighted the importance of health protection through cooperation. Health needs remain common across communities and nations despite political changes. The NHS Confederation and the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations have joined forces to explore areas for collaboration between the UK and EU.
Key Recommendations
- Harmonisation to International Standards: Commitment to ongoing harmonisation of medicines and medical devices to international standards.
- Cooperation on Medicines Shortages: Formal commitment to cooperation on critical medicines shortages, building on the UK’s association with the EU Critical Medicines Alliance.
- Pandemic Preparedness: Formal commitment to cooperation on pandemic preparedness and vaccination, including authorisation and supply of vaccines.
- Medical Research and Innovation: Closer cooperation on medical research and innovation, including medicines, medical devices, and artificial intelligence.
Benefits of Cooperation
- Minimises costs for consumers of medicines and users of medical devices
- Streamlines mutual supply chains potentially jeopardised by geopolitical changes
- Enhances health protection through collective action
Implementation
The proposed Health Protection Agreement would be consensual and subject to iterative review. It maintains the regulatory and political autonomy of both the EU and the UK. The agreement represents a pragmatic, mutually beneficial approach to health cooperation.
Conclusion
Now is an opportune time to establish a Health Protection Agreement between the EU and the UK. This initiative focuses on geographical and capability-led pragmatism, maximising future health protection opportunities in partnership. The agreement would benefit all populations across the continent by enhancing cooperation in health protection.
