For those interested in medicines regulation: the Medicines and Medical Devices Bill got its 2nd reading on 2 March. publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill…
What does it do? Well, it provides a mechanism by which Ministers can rewrite UK rules wholesale after the end of transition.
With, as far as I can see, few limits, other than the need to have regard to safety, availability and the attractiveness of the UK as a place to conduct clinical trials or supply new medicines (clause 1). New regulations have to be consulted on and need approval of both Houses.
A couple of comments. First, the usual mantra to describe the purpose of the EU regime is to secure “quality” and “efficacy”
as well as safety; so odd that those objectives aren’t in clause 1.
as well as safety; so odd that those objectives aren’t in clause 1.
Second, hard Brexit will require the hard choices I identified here.
I’m not convinced that it is right for those choices to be made by Ministers by regulation rather than by primary legislation scrutinised by Parliament.
