The UK will continue to ensure that the NHS is protected in all trade agreements it is party to, whether transitioned from an EU context or as a result of new negotiations. Indeed, outside of the EU, rigorous protections for our NHS will be maintained and included in any future trade agreement to which our country is party.
I want to be clear that the NHS will be protected in any future trade agreement with the US. The price the NHS pays for drugs will not be on the table, and nor will the services the NHS provides.
It is important to bear in mind that the Trade Bill is a continuity Bill. The powers within the Bill could not be used to implement new free trade agreements with countries such as the US. Instead, the Bill only allows for trade agreements that we have been party to through our EU membership to be transitioned into UK law.
The NHS is already protected by specific carve outs, exceptions and reservations in these trade agreements. I know that my Ministerial colleagues have no intention of lowering standards in transitioned trade agreements, as the very purpose of these agreements is to replicate as close as possible the effects of existing commitments in EU agreements. Indeed, I can reassure you that none of the 20 continuity agreements signed have resulted in standards being lowered.
Some have raised concerns about parliamentary scrutiny of trade deals. I would like to assure you the Trade Bill can only be used to transition the free trade agreements the UK has already been party to through the EU. These agreements have already received scrutiny. Any new free trade agreements will be implemented through primary legislation where necessary. This legislation will be debated and scrutinised by Parliament in the normal way. The Government has also committed to public consultations; publishing of its negotiating objectives; and holding open briefings for MPs and peers.
I note some are also worried a trade deal could put the NHS at risk of privatisation. I have seen for myself the extraordinary work of the NHS and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust during the pandemic. I am determined to support and protect the NHS both nationally and on the Island. It is my understanding that the NHS will be protected by specific carve-outs, exceptions and reservations which already exist in EU trade agreements. I know the Government will not lower these standards. None of the continuity agreements signed has resulted in standards being lowered. The price the NHS pays for drugs will not be on the table, and nor will the services the NHS provides.
Overall, I believe this approach strikes an appropriate balance. On the Island, I will continue to campaign for and be in contact with our local NHS trust. Last year we received a £48m investment in the Island’s NHS – and I continue to present the Island’s case to Ministers. I am calling for the Government to address the additional costs and challenges we face as an Island hospital. I am also campaigning to continue our new tradition of healthcare innovation by spearheading a pilot to integrate health and social care.
I hope this response has provided a measure of reassurance.