UK plans special measures for no-deal Brexit scenario

The UK government has provided an update on its contingency planning surrounding the possibility of a so-called “no deal” Brexit, including measures affecting pharmaceuticals.

On Tuesday, the British Parliament is set to vote on an agreed set of transitional arrangements for trade with the EU after March 29, 2019. If the government cannot secure support for the deal, severe disruption to cross-border trade would remain possible.

British health secretary Matt Hancock said that, should the UK leave without a trade deal in place, the government would use airplanes and fast-track trucks to ensure medicines can bypass any customs delays.