Thread by @MSF_uk

We’ve seen disastrous inequities in access to medical products during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK Government stress that they will do everything they can to ensure better access for all – so why are they still blocking proposals that could help tackle these issues?
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💥TODAY💥 we have signed on to this open-letter to the UK government criticising its position and what has been a deeply flawed consultation process with us and other UK civil society organisations on the #TRIPSwaiver negotiations.

@annietrev @SimonManleyFCDO

Here is why:

Since the UK and a small number of other wealthy countries blocked the original #TRIPSwaiver proposal, negotiations have focused on a new proposal tabled by the @wto Director General, in a bid to reach consensus. This new proposal is seriously problematic: msfaccess.org/sites/default/…

During negotiations on the new text, the UK stated that negotiations should not be rushed, and time was needed in order to “consult with stakeholders”: subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2022/0…

At our request, the UK @The_IPO @FCDOGovUK @tradegovuk finally scheduled a meeting with UK CSOs on Monday 23 May. This consultation was deeply flawed – it was scheduled for 30 mins, and the UK said they could not reveal their position or strategy with us.

We have met with the @The_IPO @FCDOGovUK @tradegovuk on multiple occasions since October 2020, when the original #TRIPSwaiver was proposed. Each time we have given our perspective, shared ideas and evidence.

But this is never reciprocated, beyond the UK’s repeated claim that IP was responsible for innovation of COVID-19 medical technologies. Despite our evidence to prove otherwise, the UK has never provided any evidence to support their claims: gov.uk/government/new…

We signed this letter with @stopaids @justtreatment @oxfamGB @GlobalJusticeUK to re-emphasise that while the text is seriously flawed as it stands, we do not support a UK approach that delays or further dilutes any hope of a meaningful WTO agreement to waive COVID-19 IP rules.

We have seen stark global inequity in access to COVID-19 medical products, including vaccines and treatments. The UK should be doing all it can to address this.

As such, we call on the UK Government once again to support rather than obstruct a comprehensive #TRIPSwaiver agreement for COVID-19 at @wto. This letter will be shared with @NOIweala @lagberie and all WTO delegates.

Full letter here: missingmedicines.org/uk-civil-socie…