Brexit news latest: Michael Gove urged to ‘level with public’ on health risks of no-deal

Michael Gove was today urged to “level with the public” about the risks to patients from a no-deal Brexit.

Sarah Wollaston, who chairs the Commons health committee, stressed an EU crash-out would cause “significant and potentially serious risks” to patients.

The ex-Tory now Lib Dem MP spoke out after Mr Gove gave an assurance last week that no deal would not harm health.

Amid reports of medicine shortages, Labour MP Tracy Brabin asked in the Commons: “Can the minister tell us now that no one in this country will suffer in their health because of a no-deal Brexit?” Mr Gove, in charge of no-deal preparations, replied: “Yes.” 

Writing to the Standard, GP Ms Wollaston said: “We don’t need false reassurance, we need the Government to level with the public that no-deal Brexit would cause significant and potentially serious risks to people who depend on the NHS and social care.”

Government guidance warns patients could be “at risk” if other people stockpile medicines.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “We want to reassure patients we are doing everything necessary to make sure they can access the medicines they need after Brexit … whatever the circumstances.”