Brexit: Millions of diabetes patients could be 'seriously disadvantaged' by insulin shortages if no deal reached

‘We make no insulin in the UK. We import every drop of it,’ says MHRA chairman

Millions of diabetes patients, including Theresa May herself, could be “seriously disadvantaged” if supplies of insulin are affected by a no-deal Brexit, the chair of the UK medicines regulator has said.

In the latest warning over disruption if Britain crashes out of the EU, Sir Michael Rawlins said the UK imports “every drop” of insulin, a vital medication used by some 3.7 million people to manage the chronic condition.

The prime minister has spoken in the past about how she regularly injects insulin to cope with type 1 diabetes.

Sir Michael, who chairs the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said officials must ensure drugs do not run out if the government fails to secure a deal with Brussels.

It comes as Matt Hancock, the new health secretary, admitted plans were in motion to stockpile drugs, medical devices and blood products in the event of a no deal, as speculation over such a scenario grows.

The Independent has launched a campaign for a Final Say referendum on the Brexit deal, which has garnered more than 300,000 signatures since its launch on Tuesday.

Speaking in a personal capacity, Sir Michael told the Pharmaceutical Journal: “There are problems, and the Department for Exiting the EU and the Department of Health and Social Care need to work out how it’s going to work.

“Here’s just one example why: we make no insulin in the UK. We import every drop of it.

“You can’t transport insulin around ordinarily because it must be temperature-controlled.”

He added: “Disruption to the supply chain is one of the ways that patients could be seriously disadvantaged. It could be a reality if we don’t get our act together.

“We can’t suddenly start manufacturing insulin – it’s got to be sorted, no question.”

Sir Michael released a statement on Friday, saying his comments had been made before Mr Hancock’s announcement about preparations for “any possible disruption to the supply chain of medical supplies in the unlikely event of no deal”.

He added: “A responsible government prepares for a range of outcomes, and the Department of Health and Social Care is working to make sure the health sector and industry are prepared and that people’s health will be safeguarded.”

Labour MP Chris Leslie, who supports the pro-EU People’s Vote campaign, said it was a “critical warning” on how damaging a no-deal scenario could be for the country.

“Millions of patients rely on insulin every day, and the Commons voted this month to instruct the prime minister to stay in the EEA medicines regulatory network, but the government seems intent on ignoring this.

“It is time she accepted there is no majority for no deal on this.”

The prime minister moved to reassure voters over Brexit as plans emerged to stock up on food, medicines and urgent supplies in case of a no-deal Brexit.

She told Channel 5: “Far from being worried about preparations that we are making, I would say that people should take reassurance and comfort from the fact that the government is saying we are in a negotiation, we are working for a good deal.

“I believe we can get a good deal, but, it’s right that we say – because we don’t know what the outcome is going to be – let’s prepare for every eventuality.”

The government is expected to publish around 70 technical notices over the summer to help businesses and consumers prepare for a no-deal Brexit.

However the move has drawn criticism from eurosceptic MPs, who have accused Ms May of “weaponising” no-deal planning to garner support for her Brexit strategy.